Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny P. Dietz was honored in his hometown of Littleton, Colorado, today with the dedication of a life-sized bronze statue in a park near the home of his family.
Dietz was killed during Operation Red Wing in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. He was later posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the nation's second-highest award for bravery. The details of his loss, and of the operation that claimed his life, have just been detailed in a book by teammate Marcus Luttrell, the only SEAL to survive the mission.
According to this report, some 3,000 people attended the ceremony. The people of Littleton raised some $45,000 for the statue and the city of Littleton donated the land on which it now rests. Some residents of the city objected to the military statue being placed near a school and a park (the statue shows Dietz carrying a rifle), but they were quickly silenced by overwhelming support once their complaints to the city were made public.
"As a boy, Danny used to play right here in this neighborhood," said Cindy Dietz, Danny's mother. "When people come down to this park, I want them to remember Danny and all our service men and women who give so much and ask so little. I hope his statue reminds people of the sacrifices our military makes everyday."
[snip]
"Petty Officer Dietz gave his life selflessly serving our Nation. On behalf of the United States Navy SEALs, we are proud to call him brother and will forever honor his warrior spirit and sacrifice." said [Naval Special Warfare Command, Rear Admiral Joseph] Kernan. "This statue is more than a tribute to one man, it is a lasting reminder of the honor, courage and commitment Danny and all of his teammates embody."
Dietz was a patriot, a warrior and a selfless American who willingly gave his life for his friends and his country. Personally, I can think of no finer example for the children of our nation to emulate.
Bravo Zulu, indeed.
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**UPDATED**: BLACKFIVE has the details, with pictures. Here's The Denver Post coverage. The last two lines are well worth the read.
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