Many of you are already familiar with this story. But I felt it important to provide an outlet to our brothers in arms to express their concern over issues such as these. Danny represents all Naval Warriors, the tools of his trade only slightly different than those equipped with a Tailhook. His story blows the winds of caution to how we as Tailhookers need to represent our brethren, to better allow those protected by the service of men like Danny to not be swayed by petty politics and cowardice.
PO2 Danny Dietz was a Navy Seal killed in Afghanistan: For his Actions, he was awarded the Navy Cross
CITATION:
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.
The Colorado City of Littleton, where Danny grew up, feels a strong pride in recognizing Petty Officer Dietz's service to his country and plans to erect a monument in his honor near where he spent his youth. The memorial is planned to be a statue of the man, similar to the photo above, in his BDU's equipped with his tools of the trade. What a tremendous honor.
But alas, wouldn't you know, that all are not happy with this:
From the Denver Post:
Parents protest military statueParents oppose image, location of memorial
A group of Littleton parents is opposing the design and location of a memorial to a fallen local Navy SEAL, Danny Dietz, who died in combat in Afghanistan two years ago.
They say the statue, depicting Dietz clutching an automatic rifle, glorifies violence. In Berry Park, it would be within blocks of three schools and two playgrounds.
"I don't think young children should be exposed to that in that way - unsupervised by their parents or any adults," said Emily Cassidy, one of the mothers.
The parents have circulated fliers opposing the design and location of the statue at the southeast corner of South Lowell Boulevard and West Berry Avenue, in a triangle formed by Goddard Middle School, Community School for the Gifted and Centennial Elementary School.
They sent a letter to school board members, nearby residents, members of parent-teacher organizations and others to protest "the statue's particular location."
Linda Cuesta, the parent of a child who was at Columbine High School during the deadly April 1999 shootings, said that memory "colors everything in my life," but she is sympathetic to the Dietz family.
"As much as it breaks my heart to do this, we have to weigh the effect of the statue in this particular place against the family's feelings,..."
Here is the referenced e-mail letter of protest:
Neighbors-
It has come to our attention that the southeast corner of Lowell and Berry (which is open-space land owned by the Left Bank Condominiums) is the proposed location for a memorial statue honoring a young Navy Seal. While our hearts go out to the family of this brave young man, we have serious concerns regarding the graphic and violent detail the statue portrays. As a community, we cannot allow the many young children in this area to be exposed to a larger than life-size grenade launching machine gun.
The City of Littleton is responsible for considering both location as well as audience when placing public art. This statue's proposed location is within a three-block radius of two elementary schools, a middle school and two parks, each with a playground. Clearly, the design of this sculpture was for an audience other than young children.
In light of our community's experience with the Columbine tragedy, and the clear message of non-violence that we teach in Littleton schools, what is our city thinking?
Naval Aviator, Neptunus Lex sums it up this way... "I’m not quite sure I understand their objections either: These are soft people who for their freedoms depend upon hard men willing to use rifles to defend them. They’d rather not acknowledge any of the facts in that sentence. Instead they choose to believe that their privileges are birthrights, or if not, demand that the soldiers who protect them at least have the good grace to die anonymously."
As a resident of Littleton, about 2 miles from the proposed site, I, John Carmichael would like all of "The Daily Briefing" readers to please know that the majority of us, do not sympathize with these soft "peaceful" sheep. Rather we would welcome the eternal presence of Danny in our neighborhood representing the fact that we will always be protected by men such as he! Thank you Danny. May you rest in peace that you helped provide all of us, God's Speed.
I thank God every day that we have men such as Danny Dietz who are willing to stand in the gap and offer up their lives to protect this nation that we call America. Were it not for Danny Dietz and other men and women like him, those that behave as sheep, would not have the opportunity to speak out as they do. It's just a cryin' shame that they don't realize how fortunate they are.
Posted by: Guy Cannon | April 12, 2007 at 16:40
He defended their right to protest the statue and all it stands for. God bless him and the family he left behind. I want to see that statue when it is raised.
You are allowed to protest the war if that's the way you feel, but PLEASE, PLEASE support our troops. They are giving their life and in some cases their lives to defend this country.
Posted by: Derek Davis | April 10, 2007 at 15:56