Anti-gun zealots oppose Navy SEAL memorial statue

[Jolie Rouge]

Anti-gun zealots oppose Navy SEAL memorial statue

Did you read it yet? This story is so flabbergasting, I'm going to walk you through it here to ensure you don't miss it. There's no clearer illustration of just how unreality-based and ignorant some people are in this country.

Controversy Surrounds Statue for Fallen Navy Seal
Thursday, 05 Apr 2007, 8:29 PM MDT

LITTLETON -- A bronze statue of fallen Navy Seal Danny Dietz is meant to honor his bravery and sacrifice, but now there is a controversy surrounding it.

Dietz was killed almost two years ago during a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan. His family worked to raise the money and find the right spot for the statue: Berry Park is just a few blocks away from the home in which he grew up. "I'm just really excited to be able to go to this park and see a likeness of my son," said Danny's mother Cindy Dietz.

However, some neighbors are concerned about the children who will walk by it because Dietz is holding his automatic rifle in the statue. One of the neighbors would not go on camera, but sent an statement saying, "We encourage the community to carefully consider the appropriateness of the proposed location. This has been, and will remain our sole intent."

However, the city sid these concerns are coming "at the eleventh hour." A mock-up of the statue design was put on display at a city council meeting in January, and nobody voiced concerns at that point. The city will move forward with its plans. "Based on the public feedback that we've had, I think think most of the citizens in Littleton feel like it's an appropriate selection," said Littleton City Manager Jim Woods.

Cindy said she doesn't understand the controversy. For her, the statue was a way to remember her son. "I don't believe it promotes violence. It's an American hero who gave his life for all of us," she said.

http://www.myfoxcolorado.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=2860403&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

Here is Thursday's Question of the Day from Good Day Colorado:
Hero's Statue: Should It be Built?
Apr 5, 2007 | 4:55 AM

A group of parents in Littleton has expressed concern about a statue that is going to be built in honor of Danny Dietz.

He was a Navy SEAL who died while saving the lives of his other team members. He received the Navy Cross for his actions.

The parents group says the statue depicts Dietz clutching an automatic rifle. It will be built in Berry Park, which is within a few blocks of three schools and two playgrounds. The group says the statue glorifies violence.

Dietz' family members say they are upset about the uproar. So are the people who raised $42,000 for the statue.

What do you think?
Should it be built?
Should its design and/or location be changed?

89 comments as of this post ...

http://community.myfoxcolorado.com/blogs/DavidM/2007/04/05/QOTD_Heros_Statue

Line InThe Park Drawn Over Statue
"No middle ground" in battle over look, location of memorial
By Joey Bunch -- Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 04/06/2007 12:29:47 PM MDT

Navy SEAL Danny Dietz died in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005, fighting al-Qaeda guerrillas. He posthumously received the Navy Cross for heroism.

Littleton - With its green lawn, jungle gym and picnic gazebo, Berry Park is an unlikely battlefield, but the local flap over the statue of a fallen war hero set to be placed here brewed into a national conflict Thursday.

The Internet, talk radio and cable news spread the word of some parents' concerns about the planned bronze sculpture of Navy SEAL Danny Dietz holding his automatic rifle. "There's no middle ground here, and that's unfortunate," said Emily Cassidy, one of a handful of Littleton parents who say the statue with the gun should not be near three schools and two playgrounds at the southeast corner of South Lowell Boulevard and West Berry Avenue.

"We're continuing to try to spread our message," Cassidy said. "The message is not against Danny Dietz, his family or the war. It's location, location and the audience that will view it."

Reached at home Thursday in Virginia Beach, Va., Patsy Dietz, Dietz's widow, said she sympathizes with the message that guns and schools shouldn't mix, especially in the community where the Columbine shootings took place. But to use her husband to forge such a political statement about guns is irresponsible, she said. "It's a parent's job, including these parents who are protesting, to teach their children the difference between two thugs who murder their classmates and a soldier who died fighting for their freedom," she said. "Danny represents every soldier and sailor who has fallen, and for them to take this stand, well, that's offensive to me."

Patsy Dietz found out about the opposition via an e-mail forwarded by Janice Caulfield, the parent-teacher association president at Centennial Academy of Fine Arts Education.

Caulfield had received the e-mail, which solicited opposition the statue. "They were barking up the wrong tree," said Caulfield, the daughter of a 24-year Navy man and the cousin of a Navy SEAL who served with Danny Dietz. Caulfield said she could not speak for the PTA, but in her opinion admiring a local war hero is good for children. "I'll be proud to take my children there, and I'll be glad to show them a hero who died fighting for them and how we live our lives in freedom," she said.

The statue of the Heritage High School graduate is being cast at a foundry in Loveland. Sculptor Robert Henderson of Cañon City based it on the last photo taken of Dietz, showing him in a crouched position and holding the rifle on one knee.

It is scheduled to be unveiled at the park July 4, the second anniversary of the discovery of his body on a mountainside in Afghanistan. Dietz died June 28, 2005.

Shell pieces for the bronze statue of Navy SEAL Danny Dietz are drying at the Bronze Services of Loveland foundry. The statue is scheduled to be unveiled at Berry Park in Littleton on July 4, the second anniversary of the discovery of Dietz's body.

The opposition to a war memorial is unprecedented in Jim Carrier's experience He is a national board member for both the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the Navy SEAL Warrior Fund, foundations that help the families of those who die in service to the country. "They are missing the point," Carrier said. "It takes guns to defend our freedoms against terrorists when they are trying to kill you and your children."

But those who side with Cassidy see a different depiction. "A statue of a soldier holding a child would send a better message," said Calvin Freehling, a Vietnam veteran from Indianola,

Cañon City sculptor Robert Henderson based his clay form of Navy SEAL Danny Dietz on the last photo taken of him. Neb., who e-mailed The Denver Post. "An automatic weapon doesn't signify protection. It signifies violence. I'm 64 years old now, and I'm tired of violence."

Ann Levy of Denver, who calls herself a "peacenik," would like to see Dietz's sacrifice honored in a different way. "They should be putting up a peace dove instead," she said. "The question is do we stand for peace or do we stand for war?"

http://origin.denverpost.com/ci_5604793

Here is the beautiful statue memorializing Dietz that the anti-gunners in Littleton, Colorado are protesting:

http://michellemalkin.com/archives/images/staturedietz.jpg



See also : http://slapstickpolitics.blogspot.com/2007/04/colorado-statue-honoring-fallen-navy.html

[Jolie Rouge]

Here is the Navy Cross citation for Danny P. Dietz, Gunner's Mate Second Class, United States Navy: http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor/02_wot/nc_dietz.html


For extraordinary heroism in actions against the enemy while serving in a four-man Special Reconnaissance element with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, Naval Special Warfare Task unit, Afghanistan from 27 to 28 June 2005. Petty Officer Dietz demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. Operating in the middle of an enemy-controlled area, in extremely rugged terrain, his Special Reconnaissance element was tasked with locating a high-level Anti-Coalition Militia leader, in support of a follow-on direct action mission to disrupt enemy activity. On 28 June 2005, the element was spotted by Anti-Coalition Militia sympathizers, who immediately revealed their position to the militia fighters.

As a result, the element directly encountered the enemy. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully understanding the gravity of the situation and his responsibility to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz fought valiantly against the numerically superior and positionally advantaged enemy force. Remaining behind in a hailstorm of enemy fire, Petty Officer Dietz was wounded by enemy fire. Despite his injuries, he bravely fought on, valiantly defending his teammates and himself in a harrowing gunfight, until he was mortally wounded.

By his undaunted courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and absolute devotion to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz will long be remembered for the role he played in the Global War on Terrorism. Petty Officer Dietz' courageous and selfless heroism, exceptional professional skill, and utmost devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for the cause of freedom.


Here is more about Dietz's bravery: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_4963718,00.html


The rescue helicopter had crashed. The Navy SEALS were wounded by Taliban gunmen, vastly overpowered and outmanned in the remote region of Afghanistan.

Danny P. Dietz kept fighting.

More than a year after the 25-year-old Navy SEAL from Littleton was killed, he has been awarded the nation's second-highest military honor, the Navy Cross.

The award - one of only 20 given for valor since fighting began in Afghanistan and Iraq, and second only to the Medal of Honor - will be presented to Dietz's widow and parents during a ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 13. The medal will also be presented posthumously to the family of Dietz's teammate, Matthew Axelson, of Cupertino, Calif.

The pair were part of an elite team of four SEALs on a reconnaissance mission "tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan," according to a Navy news release.

On June 28, 2005, "They were spotted by anti-coalition sympathizers, who immediately reported their position to Taliban fighters. A fierce gunbattle ensued between the four SEALs and a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position," the Navy release said.

The SEALs radioed for help, and a responding Chinook helicopter was shot down by a rocket-propelled grenade, killing eight more SEALs and eight Army NightStalkers. It was the worst single combat loss for the SEALs since the Vietnam War.

According to the Navy, "Despite this terrible loss, the SEALS on the ground continued to fight. Although mortally wounded, Axelson and Dietz held their position and fought for the safety of their teammates despite a hail of gunfire. Their actions cost them their lives, but gave one of the other SEALs an opportunity to escape."



The Latin phrase "if you want peace, prepare for war" is obviously lost on these moonbats. "Peace doves" don't teach much about heroism or sacrifice.



Kudos to the city of Littleton, which is so far standing by Dietz and the memorial. It's scheduled to be dedicated this July 4. The city's Historical Museum Director put out the following memo responding to anti-gun groups' objections:

Tim Nimz memo

From: Tim Nimz, Museum Director

Date April 4, 2007

Re: Military memorials in the United States

Although there appears to be no definitive hard count of military-themed memorials and monuments in the United States, my research indicates that it is safe to state that they number in the thousands. Military historians estimate that there have been more than 100,000 military engagements in the nation's 11 major wars and countless smaller actions since the late-18th century, each of them desperately important to the soldiers who fought in them, their families and loved ones, and the country they represented. Inevitably, memorials and monuments, both large and small, were erected to commemorate these conflicts and to honor the men and women who served. For example, the Civil War generated at least 1,538 military memorials; World War I produced at least 950; and the Vietnam War at least 62.

Many of these memorials are located in highly public areas. Through the first half of the 20th century, it was quite common to find a war memorial in town and city squares throughout the country. Since the end of WWII, these more generic "war" memorials have given way to monuments honoring specific individuals. Martial-themed statues, in particular, have always been very popular, dating from the time of the American Revolution through the current War on Terrorism. Most major cities, and many smaller ones, prominently display these statues in public spaces, including parks, intersections, and the grounds of government facilities. Perhaps most famous is the Minute Man Statue, commemorating the battles of Lexington and Concord which opened the Revolutionary War, located in Minute Man National Historical Park in suburban Boston. Certainly, no space in the United States is more public than the National Mall in Washington, DC. The Mall, visited by approximately 24 million people each year, hosts three major war memorials for WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

A great many of these monuments depict soldiers in uniform and carrying their service weapons, although few show the soldiers engaged in combat. The Minute Man, mentioned above, is armed with a flintlock "Brown Bess" musket (the same weapon that the opposing British Army used). Service weapons, usually sheathed or unsheathed cavalry sabers or swords, appear in many of the 56 martial-themed statues in the District of Columbia, including almost all of the equestrian statues that dominate the major street intersections. The Korean War Memorial on the Mall features statues of 19 service men in a patrol formation carrying typical military equipment, including M-1 and M-14 rifles. The Three Servicemen Statue, located next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (the famous "wall") on the Mall, depicts three soldiers with M-16 rifles and an M-60 machine gun. The Colorado State Capitol in Denver has two military statues on the grounds, a Civil War monument/memorial with a Union soldier with gun in hand, and a statue of Joseph P. Martinez, the first Hispanic Coloradan to receive the Medal of Honor, carrying his service weapon.

[Jolie Rouge]

Memorial set in stone
Parents of slain SEAL surprised by all the flak
By David Montero, Rocky Mountain News
April 7, 2007

Dan Dietz sees irony in the death of his Navy SEAL son and those opposed to erecting a statute in his honor July 4 in a Littleton park. "This was Danny's third tour over there. The first time he was over there, he lost a friend and when he came back, he was mad. And he said, 'Boy, Dad, I'd better not run across any of those anti-Americans. You know they're not doing us any good,' " Dan Dietz said Friday.

"And I said, 'Wait a minute, Danny. During Vietnam I fought for those rights and now you're fighting for those rights.'

"I said, 'That's a part of the United States. We have to be thankful we can do that because the other countries, if you did something like that - protested or anything like that - you'd be in jail or be shot.' "

The statue of 25-year-old Danny Dietz shows him crouching while holding an assault rifle.

Opponents of the statue have said, in light of the 1999 Columbine High School tragedy, kids shouldn't be walking past something that depicts violence.

Dan and Cindy Dietz said they were "surprised" by the opposition to the statue of their son - especially since it had been in the planning stages for months.

One of those opponents, Linda Cuesta, had a child at Columbine during that massacre and made her objections known to the Littleton City Council last month. "This has nothing to do with Columbine," Cindy Dietz said.

Also objecting was Emily Cassidy Fuchs, who didn't want the statue at Berry Park because of its proximity to three schools.

City officials noted, however, the park is in the same neighborhood where Danny grew up and attended elementary and middle school. His parents still live there.

Kelli Narde, spokeswoman for the city of Littleton, said the dedication of the statue will go forward July 4 and that an admiral will give a keynote address.

Cindy Dietz said she's made several trips to the foundry in Loveland where the mold of the statue has been worked on to make sure it correctly depicts her son.

She said she struggled with the idea of him having facial hair in the statue ("He was always angelic looking") but agreed that the photo showed him with facial hair - and that's how he should be in bronze.

Sculptor Robert Henderson created the statue from one of the last photos taken of Danny before he was killed June 28, 2005, in Afghanistan while fighting al-Qaida and Taliban forces with his team of four.

He received the Navy Cross for heroism posthumously.

His father said his son would likely view the statue the same way he viewed his other honors and awards.

"Danny wouldn't go for this at all," Dan Dietz said. "He liked to be low-keyed in his career. He didn't like to display what he'd done and all the awards that he has gotten and stuff like that."

But his parents view the statue as a way to honor their son and all of those who died while serving in the military. "I feel like Danny belongs to the nation now and he's a part of that history," Dan Dietz said.

City officials said they've been taken aback by the controversy surrounding the statue, and Narde said that claims the city didn't go through the usual approval process for public art isn't correct.

Narde said the city's Fine Arts Committee - on which Fuchs sits - opted not to oversee the process because they didn't consider it art.

So it was passed to the city's staff to handle, which it did.

After the Dietz family spoke Friday afternoon in the city of Littleton's Community Room, state Sen. Steve Ward, R-Littleton, stewed outside in the hallway. "This is pathetic," Ward said. "What's next? Take 'the bombs bursting in air' out of The Star- Spangled Banner?"

Dan and Cindy Dietz got a measure of support as they left the community room. After the couple finished talking, a group of police officers stood and applauded as they exited the room.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5470519,00.html


Let the hero tribute stand
Critics of statue miss the point
April 7, 2007

By any definition, Petty Officer Danny Dietz of Littleton is a hero. The Navy SEAL, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005, was awarded the Navy Cross - which ranks second only to the Medal of Honor. He has certainly earned a prominent and lasting memorial to acknowledge his service, a memorial the Littleton City Council authorized last year.

The council will place a life-size bronze statue of Dietz at the edge of Berry Park, which will be dedicated on July 4, exactly two years after his body was recovered. And since the private fund- raising drive for the memorial has exceeded expectations, surpassing its $30,000 goal by more than $12,000, there may be enough money to also place a flagpole and a separate plaque on the site.

Even so, a smattering of parents have objected to the statue's location, which is within a few blocks of three schools and two playgrounds. Their complaint?

The statue is based on a photo of Danny Dietz that shows him in full field gear, rifle in hand. The protesting parents say that a sculpture depicting firearms should not be publicly displayed in areas where kids play.

Some have said a "peace memorial" should be erected instead. Others composed a letter that they've sent to community organizations and residents, urging them to ask the city to reconsider the location of the memorial. "In light of our community's experience with the Columbine tragedy," the letter reads, "and the clear message of non-violence that we teach in Littleton schools, what is our city thinking?"

It's thinking a lot more clearly than the protesters, that's for sure.

For one thing, trying to conflate the horror of Columbine with the courage of Danny Dietz is insulting. The Columbine killers cowardly mowed down unarmed and innocent classmates and a teacher.

By contrast, Dietz was wounded behind enemy lines during a special operations mission that was intended to apprehend a Taliban leader. When he and his three fellow SEALs were trapped by Taliban forces, Dietz and another wounded comrade stayed behind and provided enough cover fire to let another team member - the mission's sole survivor - elude capture.

Reasonable people might disagree about the artistic standard of the statue. But that's not at issue. And Dietz's family affirmed Friday that they remain very happy with the design.

Nor did the council approve this proposal in secret. It was authorized during the normal public process, and a model was displayed at a council meeting.

Danny's widow Patsy Dietz framed the dispute just right when she urged parents "to teach their children the difference between two thugs who murder their classmates and a soldier who died fighting for their freedom."

The distinction is so obvious it's hard to believe a debate is taking place. Littleton is right to stand by its decision.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/editorials/article/0,2777,DRMN_23964_5469710,00.html

[Jolie Rouge]

David Harsanyi responds to critics of war memorial for Navy Cross recipient Danny Dietz: "When a dove can protect our children from religious fanatics who'd like to behead them, I'll visit the National Peace Dove Memorial. For now, I look forward to taking my kids to Littleton and explaining why guys like Danny Dietz deserve to be honored."

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_5623926

[Jolie Rouge]

SEAL's memorial within kids' view? Perfect spot
By David Harsanyi
Denver Post Staff Columnist
Article Launched: 04/09/2007 01:00:00 AM MDT


Maybe those parents offended by a proposed war memorial in Littleton believe that freedom can be defended using snappy bumper stickers.

Luckily, Danny Dietz knew better.

For now, despite the protestations of a handful of locals, the memorial to honor this Navy SEAL, Navy Cross winner and Colorado native killed after volunteering for action in Afghanistan will go on as scheduled.

A wonderful statue of Dietz holding a rifle will be placed in the vicinity of schools and playgrounds - near many impressionable children.

Really, there's no better spot for it. The more kids see it, the better.

Though we all understand the politics of war - and God knows, we're capable of royally messing things up - allowing ideology to interfere with honoring someone like Dietz is truly repugnant.

A couple of locals claim they are horrified that a replica rifle's shadow may darken their children's playgrounds?

Kids might feel uncomfortable.

We're a long way from the Greatest Generation, indeed.

The memorial will honor a Littleton native who had the guts to pick up a rifle and defend the peace those little children enjoy. And because you can't take out al-Qaeda guerrillas with a blog post or guest spot on "The View," Dietz turned to a rifle equipped with a grenade launcher.

"That weapon was part of him," explains Patsy Dietz, his (rather perturbed) widow. "It's how he defended himself and this country. And that's how he died. So it upset me so much when people began protesting. That gun helped defend the freedom of speech of those protesters ... but that doesn't mean I can't challenge their ignorance."

Dietz, according to his Navy Cross citation, fought "valiantly against the numerically superior and positionally advantaged enemy force."

Instead of fleeing, Dietz remained behind "in a hailstorm of enemy fire." And even though Dietz was seriously wounded, "he bravely fought on, valiantly defending his teammates and himself in a harrowing gunfight, until he was mortally wounded."

So for those parents so offended by a rifle, they might take the time to explain to their children that without Dietz and his gun, Abby and Jacob wouldn't be enjoying life in a prosperous neighborhood with the infinite freedom to whine.

While they're at it, they could take the kids down to the Colorado Capitol, where a Civil War monument features a Union soldier. He's carrying a rifle.

Turns out the Confederacy didn't free the slaves after being asked nicely.

Nearby, there's a statue of Joe Martinez, the first Hispanic Coloradan to receive the Medal of Honor. He has a rifle, as well. And he had it when he ran to his certain death on the Aleutian Islands during World War II.

In fact, Tim Nimz, Littleton's museum director, points out the prevalence of weapons at war memorials:

"Service weapons, usually sheathed or unsheathed cavalry sabers or swords, appear in many of the 56 martial-themed statues in the District of Columbia, including almost all of the equestrian statues that dominate the major street intersections."

Soldiers and SEALs carry guns. And though this war has torn us apart, ignoring reality and belittling our heroes with politically correct twaddle is a slap in the face to all who serve.

"These protesters probably haven't ever encountered someone whose family has died in war - and they have no room and no ground to stand on," says Patsy Dietz.

Certainly, some of them live in a fantasy. Take for example the comment of one Ann Levy to a Post reporter. She believes that Dietz's sacrifice deserves a "peace dove instead."

A peace dove ...

You know what? When a dove can protect our children from religious fanatics who'd like to behead them, I'll visit the National Peace Dove Memorial.

For now, I look forward to taking my kids to Littleton and explaining why guys like Danny Dietz deserve to be honored.

[Jolie Rouge]

Dietz sculputre to be dedicated July 4

The Danny Dietz Memorial Sculpture will be dedicated at a formal ceremony July 4, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Berry Park extension, 5507 South King Street. The public is welcome.

The ceremony will feature speeches by Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter; the Admiral in charge of Naval Special Warfare; United States Congressman Tom Tancredo; Medal of Honor recipient Mike Thornton; and Tiffany Bitz, Danny Dietz’s sister. Littleton Mayor Jim Taylor will emcee.

The Littleton Community Band will perform the Star Spangled Banner and Navy Hymn. An honor guard from the Denver Navy Operational Support Center will present the colors and F-16s will fly overhead to start the ceremony. The benediction will be delivered by Pastor Larry Herrera. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the sculpture will be unveiled.

Parking will be available at Centennial Elementary, Goddard Middle School, Bowles Grove Park and the Arapahoe County warehouse at 5251 S. Federal Boulevard.

Dietz was killed in Afghanistan June 28, 2005. Dietz is the only Littleton resident known to have died in action in current Middle East conflicts. In September, 2006, the Dietz family accepted the Navy Cross on Danny’s behalf.

Dietz was raised in Littleton and attended Centennial Elementary, Goddard Middle School, and graduated from Heritage High School. His parents, Dan and Cindy, still live in the neighborhood.

The fundraising goal for the Danny Dietz Memorial was achieved thanks to the generous support of local businesses, restaurants and citizens. Following the successful December 8, 2006 reception at the Littleton Historical Museum, more than $42,000 was raised to pay for the sculpture, flagpole, lighting and engraving.

On December 20, 2006, the Dietz family selected Canon City Artist Robert Henderson to design a bronze sculpture of Dietz. The sculpture is based on a photograph of Dietz taken in Afghanistan shortly before he died.

The city budgeted funds in 2007 to develop the vacant lot in the neighborhood where Dietz grew up. It is an extension of Berry Park and will feature landscaping, a walking path and the sculpture of Dietz.

http://www.littletongov.org/news/ltnreports/2007/coverstory_jun.asp#story2


Navy SEAL Danny Dietz January 26, 1980-June 28, 2005

What a great way to spend the morning of Independence Day, and ironically the day before I ship out for the US Navy; honoring a modern Day Hero, Navy SEAL Danny (DJ) Dietz. I had to stand in formation with the other Navy members there, so I only got a few pictures. The AF did the flyover and I almost missed it, we joked about them being late (they didn't show until about a half hour in,) so my apologies for the fuzzy pic. There is hope for a country who still spawn men such as Danny Dietz.

( This link provides some pics - can anyone here get them to work ? )
http://thedailyblogster.blogspot.com/

Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Memorial Unveiled
http://slapstickpolitics.blogspot.com/2007/07/navy-seal-danny-dietz-memorial-unveiled.html

"Enduring inspiration to generations of patriots to come"


Veterans Stand Guard Before Dietz Statue Unveiled
http://cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_184100759.html

(CBS4) LITTLETON, Colo. A veterans' group plans to stand guard around the memorial set to be unveiled on the Fourth of July in honor of a Navy Seal from Littleton until it is dedicated Wednesday. The statue of Danny Dietz holding a gun will remember his service after the 9/11 attacks and his death during an attack by Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.

There has been some controversy surrounding the statue since it depicts Dietz holding a gun. The veterans' group, Rolling Thunder, doesn't believe opponents would deface the statue, but are standing guard to provide protection and respect.

"Just to make sure nobody comes along and tries to deface it, tear down the fence or anything of that nature," said Don Marsh of Rolling Thunder.

Dietz's mother anxiously looks forward to the ceremony Wednesday and putting the debate behind her.

"Obviously it hurt, but my son died giving us the right of freedom of speech," said Cindy Dietz, Danny's mother.

The city of Littleton said support for the statue has been overwhelming.

"People from all over the United States contacted us," said Kelli Narde, a spokeswoman for Littleton. "Six-hundred were in support and 10 opposed to it."

Some opponents said the design of the statue with Dietz holding a gun is graphic and violent. Others called it real.

"The people here in Denver, frankly throughout the U.S. rallying to a cause such as this, has been very impressive, very impressive," said Dan Puleio of U.S. Navy Recruiting.

The secretary of the Navy and the admiral who is in charge of Navy Seals are among the dignitaries scheduled to be at the unveiling of the statue Wednesday. It is planned for 11 a.m. on the Fourth of July at Lowell and Berry in Littleton.


The Rocky Mountain News has a touching slide show :
http://cfapp2.rockymountainnews.com/photos/slideshow_splash.cfm?xml=http://cfapp2.rockymountainnews.com/photos/slideshows/070407dietz/070407dietz.xml&slideShowType=default&slideShowName=070407dietz&dateCreated=07/04/07

A video tribute to Danny Dietz : http://peterepublic.org/archives/2007/07/danny_dietz_memorial_dedicated.html