incredible gesture by Sec. Kerry for MA vet's family

[MBS]

Let me put it plainly: John Kerry is a national treasure.
Here is this week's example: nearly four years after a Massachusetts family lost their son in Afghanistan, Sec. Kerry remembered that upcoming anniversary, and thought to arrange for tickets for them to see the White House reception for the Pope this morning.

http://www.patriotledger.com/article/20150923/NEWS/150928411

No political gain for him with this gesture: there are no more electoral politics in his future.
No diplomatic coup benefits either: this is for a Massachusetts family, it has nothing to do with any international negotiations.
This is simple human kindness and thoughtfulness.

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.
. . .
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. . .

.

What a heartening change from this season of political lies, consultant-massaged "policy statements", careerist politicians, and small-minded, bigoted demagogues.
Thank you, Sec. Kerry.
Sec. Kerry is a class act.
I am so proud to have him represent our country on the international stage.

[Gothmog]

1. This is a truly great story

I agree that John Kerry is a national treasure. Thank you for posting this. This post made me smile.

I am also proud to have Sec. Kerry represent my country

[MBS]

2. Yes, indeed.

[Gothmog]

4. I am serious

This article made me smile. Thank you for posting

[MBS]

5. Me, too! n/t

[mylye2222]

3. I am so proud that a man like this

is also an "adopted" partial part of my country, France, in some way.
I remember his last January so hertfelt and sincere Charlie Hebdo post attacks long speech , 80% in French. All without usual diplomatic language.
A Mensh. And a true stateman in the noblest meaning of the terms.

[DashOneBravo]

6. Class act

Thanks for x-posting in the Vets forum.

[MBS]

9. agreed!!!

glad that the x-posting worked, too!

[DashOneBravo]

12. It worked great

And was very thoughtful.

[Siwsan]

7. I loved every moment of campaigning for John Kerry

So many wonderful memories and great people.

[MBS]

8. yeah, same for me! n/t

[Siwsan]

10. We had access to a Swift Boat, for parades (photo)

[MBS]

11. oh, fabulous.

Good job!!

[karynnj]

14. That is cool! nt

[DashOneBravo]

16. Is that a actual sized Swift Boat?

[karynnj]

13. Wow - It is completely amazing that he did this in the midst of everything he is doing

It also reaffirms that past gestures of this type weren't just a great staff with Kerry political enough to know that things like this count. At this point, he doesn't have a MA staff and he is almost certain never to run for office again in MA. The connection he had to families that lost children due to war (or the young woman working for the State Department in Afghanistan) always seemed very deep and real, but this really shows it was never just for politics.

You are right he is a national treasure -- in fact, at this point he may well be an international treasure.

[ladym55]

15. He never ceases to amaze me

He is such an incredible class act, which is why I think he has taken so much flak over the years.

So many don't understand what genuine class is.

Thank you for sharing this story.