Planned Memorial for War Hero Opposed by Sheep
DJ Dietz was an Alpha sheepdog who gave his life to protect his flock. As it so often happens, the flock of sheep resents it’s fierce defender and would rather delude itself into believing that defense is unnecessary. To do this, one must hide the evidence of the sheepdog’s existence and more importantly, the method by which his protection is achieved.
Such is the turn of events in Littleton, CO, where Navy Cross recipient DJ Dietz will be memorialized with a statue close to the school he attended as a youngster and where he dreamed of growing up and becoming a Navy SEAL. The Rocky Mountain News reports that a small group of parents feel threatened by DJ’s presence and want his likeness and the really nasty looking gun he’s holding moved someplace else.
Linda Cuesta, whose child was at Columbine High School during the murders on April 20, 1999, told the City Council last month that it would be a mistake to put the statue where hundreds of children would pass it every day.
“After our experience with Columbine and the clear message of nonviolence that we teach within the Littleton schools – honestly, what are we thinking?” she said.
Eh, I think it’s pretty obvious that Ms. Cuesta is NOT thinking! To compare the selfless actions of our citizen warriors risking life-and-limb for this country with the evil and selfish creatures who killed innocents at Columbine is showing an ingnorance that should have kept her from being allowed to procreate.
Blackfive broke the story yesterday and the Church Ladies were all over it!
We wrote emails to the city manager Jim Woods (jwoods@littletongov.org) expressing our support for the sculpture and it’s placement near the school and many left great comments on B5′s post.
I also got an email from YourHub.com community journalist Kevin Hamm who pointed me to his excellent article on the site. Kevin lays out the timeline and individuals involved in planning and executing the memorial as well as a memo from Littleton Historical Museum Director Tim Nimz describing a brief history of War Memorials in the U.S.
Thanks to Jack Ott of The Drum and Cannon for sending me the link to the RMN article, from which we learn:
City officials said the City Council unanimously approved the contract for the sculpture in January and again in February, and a clay model was displayed at one of the meetings. Spokesman Chris Harguth said the city is moving forward with the project as planned.
“We respect that there are differing opinions out there, and we respect the right of our citizens to voice their opinions,” he said. “The feedback we’ve received in the city manager’s office has been overwhelmingly in favor of this project.”
HOORAY!!! This July 4th will be celebrated with the unveiling of a permanent reminder that our sheepdogs, our hero sons and daughters, will always be honored by most members of the flock whom they protect. I think the kids of Littleton may also start dreaming of growing up and emulating the great man that stands watch 24/7/365, his weapon forever at parade rest because his presence alone keeps the wolves at bay.
