A memorial ceremony for fallen Navy SEAL Danny Dietz will be held at 9 a.m. today in Littleton. The ceremony marks the one-year anniversary of a memorial statue’s dedication at the corner of West Berry Avenue and South King Street.
On June 28, 2005, Dietz was killed in action in Afghanistan. Badly wounded and outnumbered, he fought off al-Qaeda fighters for 45 minutes to defend three other SEALs. His body was recovered July 4, 2005.
He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the nation’s second-highest military award for valor and gallantry.
Dietz’s mother, Cindy, will attend the ceremony to thank the community for its support.
“This is a bittersweet and exciting time for me,” she said.
Her excitement comes as her daughter, Tiffany Bitz, gave birth to her first son Monday. Caden Danny Bitz was named in memory of his uncle.
Although the memorial honors Dietz, his mother said it is really for all those who serve their country.
Brian Malnes: 303-954-1638 or bmalnes@denverpost.com
