Article Contributed on: 7/4/2007 8:07:12 PM
Young and old alike gathered for a very special 4th of July celebration, as the
Danny Dietz Memorial Sculpture was unveiled in the Berry Park Extension, at 5507 S. King Street.
The ceremony featured music, a military flyover, tributes from politicians and from Donald Winter, Secretary of the Navy; Rear Admiral
Joseph Kernan, Commander of the Navy's Special Warfare Command and Mike Thornton, Medal of Honor Recipient.
Perhaps the most touching speaker was
Tiffany Bitz, sister of the fallen Navy Seal. Bitz spoke about how she and "DJ" had grown up in the neighborhood; attended Centennial Elementary and Goddard Junior Highand spent time in Berry Park. She said that she hoped that the sculpture of her brother would help the students who see it to better understand what it means to be a hero.
Following the ceremony, the Bronze Sculpture, by Canon City artist
Robert Henderson, was unveiled. The work is based on the last known photo of Dietz. After the Dietz family, friends and dignitaries spent some time with the Sculpture, the general public had a chance to take a closer look.
Click
HERE to view more photos from the event.