Danny Dietz Memorial Sculpture

https://www.littletongov.org/my-littleton/parks-trails/danny-dietz-memorial-sculpture

"Danny Dietz Memorial" by Robert Henderson. Bronze sculpture of kneeling Navy SEAL with rifle, located at west side of Berry Park, Littleton. Sculpture was purchased by the City of Littleton, along with funds from a public fundraiser.

On June 28, 2005, Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny Dietz, a United States Navy SEAL, was killed in action in a remote region of Afghanistan. Although badly wounded in the initial confrontation with Taliban militia, Dietz refused to retreat, instead choosing to continue the battle, in the process saving the life of one of his fellow SEALs. His family was notified of his death one week later on July 4, 2005. For his heroism, Dietz was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the nation's second highest military honor; he also received the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and numerous other commendations.

Danny Phillip Dietz, Jr. was born in 1980 and spent his entire life in Littleton, Colorado, attending Centennial Academy, Goddard Middle School, and Heritage High School, until he entered the United States Navy in 1999. His parents still live in the Littleton neighborhood where Danny grew up. To date, Danny Dietz is the first and only Littleton resident to be killed in the recent Middle East conflicts.

In August, 2006, the City of Littleton began a partnership with the Dietz family to develop a plan to honor Danny's heroism and sacrifice. A Memorial Committee, composed of City of Littleton Director of Communications Kelli Narde; City of Littleton Public Services Director Charles Blosten; City of Littleton Museum Director Tim Nimz; City of Littleton Senior Landscape Architect David Flaig; and the parents of Danny Dietz, was formed to discuss possible projects. As a temporary tribute, a section of Littleton Boulevard was renamed Danny Dietz Drive on September 18, 2006, in a ceremony attended by United States Congressman Tom Tancredo, members of the Littleton City Council and staff, the parents and sister of Danny Dietz, all Denver area media, many veterans, and numerous Littleton citizens.

For a more lasting landmark, the Memorial Committee identified an undeveloped parcel of land which the City had acquired as an extension of Berry Park. Located in the Dietz's neighborhood and on the same street as two of the schools Danny attended, the park was determined to be the best location for a permanent memorial.

On December 12, 2006, the RFP Committee interviewed five artists, ultimately selecting Robert Henderson of Canon City to create a representational bronze memorial sculpture. A few weeks later, on January 16, 2007, City Council unanimously approved a contract with the artist (including design and location of memorial), and viewed the maquette. The contract was later revised on February 6, 2007; the sculpture was sent to the foundry on March 2, 2007.

Objections were raised by members of the public and Fine Arts Committee about the design and location of the memorial, namely, showing Dietz with his combat rifle, especially being located next to a school. These objections were ultimately addressed by the Dietz family during a press conference, where they discussed the controversy. At the press conference, held on April 6, 2007, the City reaffirmed that the project would proceed as planned.

On July 4, 2007, the City of Littleton hosted the dedication ceremony of the Danny Dietz Memorial.

Owner/maintenance authority: City of Littleton