Recently, Utahns witnessed a community's greatest humanity when the state embraced the family of a young Marine who died in the Iraq war.

Lance Cpl. Cesar Fabricio Machado-Olmos, a Mexican national, proudly volunteered to serve the military of his adopted country. When he was laid to rest in Spanish Fork Sept. 22, hundreds of people who knew Machado-Olmos — and those who didn't — came together to mourn his loss. The young Marine, just shy of his 21st birthday, died Sept. 13 in a Humvee rollover while on patrol.

Machado-Olmos gave his life for a country of which he was not yet a citizen, although officials say they are working on having his citizenship granted posthumously. His sacrifice brought together communities that otherwise might never have crossed paths. Fellow veterans, Mexican nationals and Utahns alike joined in celebrating Machado-Olmos' life and mourning the loss of a Marine, a son and a Mexican — a young man who aspired to become an American citizen.

That feeling of unity was in sharp contrast to recent events elsewhere in Utah, where rumors and evidences of racism seem to be on the rise. Some have reported seeing banners on freeway overpasses with racist messages. A billboard was erected recently at approximately 1700 S. State by the National Alliance, a white supremacy organization. It says, "Securing a Future for European Americans." However, the billboard has reportedly been defaced, with the word "European" covered with the word "Racist!"

A photograph of Rep. David Litvak, D-Salt Lake, was posted recently on the National Alliance Web site, following his appearance at a town hall meeting at Salt Lake Community College. National Alliance members attended the event, according to the organization's Web site. The site, which is rife with anti-Semitic references, describes Litvak as "a Jewish politician." Shortly thereafter, a woman in a hooded sweatshirt reportedly attempted to throw rocks at the lawmaker's Salt Lake-area residence. Litvak, who is Jewish, has said the incidents are very likely related. Local law enforcement agencies are investigating, he said.

As the hatred of a few narrow people grows, and as the minority population continues to blossom statewide, the Beehive State is reaching a crossroads. Will Utahns allow these activities to continue unchecked or will they speak out against hate that destroys communities?

Spanish Fork's response to the death of Marine Machado-Olmos illustrates the healing that can occur when people from all walks of life band together. The racists represent a tiny minority of Utah's population. But they can speak with a loud voice. Utah's reputation as a family-friendly place where all are welcome may rest on how well the message of hate is countered.