Honoring Petty Officer Dietz

Peace doesn't come, and violence doesn't go away, simply by our choosing to lock ourselves away in our own worlds of make believe. We cannot ignore the reality of the violent world in which we live.

Wars don't bring peace, but at times we need to fight wars in order to preserve our country so that we can eventually have the opportunity to become reconciled with our enemies, remove the root causes for conflict and achieve peace together.

And those who give their lives for our country are rightfully honored as heroes and held up as models for the rest of us.

An unfortunate situation is playing out in Littleton, Colorado, where a group of people claiming to be concerned parents are besmirching the memory of Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny Dietz, a brave man who gave his life for his country while fighting in Afghanistan and is rightfully honored for his actions.

Petty Officer Dietz, according to what officials told his family, was killed in an ambush by al-Qaida gunmen in Afghanistan in 2005. He was severely wounded, but he fought off the enemy for more than 45 minutes while one of his team members escaped. For his bravery, the Navy awarded him the Navy Cross.

Not surprisingly, people in his hometown of Littleton, Colo., decided to create a statue in his honor, and raised $43,000 for the purpose. The statue is to be dedicated July 4 in a prominent park in the area where he grew up and is remembered by many.

But a group of parents is objecting. The statue, they say, glorifies violence because it depicts Petty Officer Dietz holding an automatic rifle, the weapon he used in his selfless effort to defend his country.

The protest against the statue is completely unjustified. In fact, the protesters need to reflect on the values they are teaching their children by their objection to the statue.

We want our children to learn the value of living selfless lives of sacrifice for others. The statue of Petty Officer Dietz will be a most fitting example for the children of Littleton.