PLYMOUTH – Sitting with Ed and Joan Gutowski at their son’s funeral nearly four years ago, then-U.S. Sen. John Kerry promised the local couple that their fallen hero’s sacrifice would never be forgotten. And with the anniversary of Army Spc. Steven Gutowski’s death in Afghanistan approaching, Kerry, now secretary of state, clearly still remembers.
A call from Washington to Plymouth late last week from one of Kerry’s aides noted the coming anniversary. The aide told Joan Gutowski that Kerry thinks of her family often and remains impressed by the strength of faith he saw carry them through their darkest days. Kerry wanted to know if the Gutowskis would like travel to the White House to help welcome Pope Francis to America.
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We were so blown away by this act of kindness by Secretary Kerry to think of us, and remember our family,” Joan Gutowski said this week. “It will be four years the 28th of this month our son, Steven, was killed in action, and we are so truly blessed and humbled by Secretary Kerry’s invitation.”The Gutowskis do not expect to meet the pope or the president at the reception, which is expected to draw thousands to the White House South Lawn. But they believe being in the pope’s presence alone is a blessing for their family.They do hope they will get a chance to speak again with Kerry, who has a history of reaching out to the family.Kerry intervened on the family’s behalf after learning that shortly before his death, Steven Gutowski purchased tickets for his father and sister to attend a Boston Bruins game. Kerry contacted the Bruins and got rink-side seats to the game for the entire family. . .