It’s official, the “it’s for the children” canard has finally jumped the shark. This has to be the most foolish, infuriating thing I have read in a long while. Littleton Colorado wants to pay tribute to a soldier who bravely, valiently sacrificed his life fighting to defend freedom in Afghanistan. Sounds pretty straightforward, I mean who wouldn’t support that?
Parents protest military statue
Parents oppose image, location of memorial
A Littleton group says the depiction of Navy SEAL Danny Dietz, killed in ’05, glorifies violence and is too close to three schools… 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.
Here is the offensive statue, you tell me, is that statue, and the story behind it, something children shouldn’t be exposed to? I think the story of Danny Dietz is something every kid who goes to Littleton public schools should be taught, for generations to come.
Photo:Denver Post (Hat Tip:Michelle Malkin)
Back on September 17, 2006, we told you the story of Danny Dietz as part of our weekly collaboration with Blackfive, the #1 milblog. Each week we bring his series called Someone You Should Know to the radio. These are the incredible true stories of the heroics of the men and women fighting for us around the world.
You can listen to the amazing story of three special men, Lt. Michael P. Murphy, Navy SEAL Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew G. Axelson and Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny P. Dietz right here.
From the Navy Cross awarded to Danny Dietz:
…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…