Speeches and Statements

Message of the U.S. Embassy to the Family of Lance Corporal José Gutiérrez

Guatemala, April 9, 2003

Guatemala, April 9, 2003 -- Today we pay tribute to Lance Corporal José Gutiérrez. This young man overcame terrible adversity and in its place put hope and ambition. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for a country that had sheltered him, a people who had nurtured him and had given him a new life. He wore the uniform of the United States Marines and in so doing took up the challenge of fulfilling the traditions, the valor, and the loyalty that represent the legacy of the Marine Corps through more than two centuries of service.

By volunteering for the United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal Gutierrez became part of something much larger than one man, but built on each one’s contributions. This is one of the mysteries of the ages: the meaning that one life can have, the difference that one person can make.

In the Old Testament, we read in the Psalms:

"When I consider Your heavens,
the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which You have set in place,
what is man that You are mindful of him,
the son of man that You care for him?
You made him a little lower than the angels,
And crowned him with glory and honor."

Glory and honor belong to Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez for the life he lived and for the sacrifice he made. Let us learn from his determination and courage. Let us pay tribute to his answer to the call of duty. Let us remember him as a friend and brother who took to heart the greatest commandment: "Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."---