News - Heist of Heritage: Statue Stolen from Vietnamese Memorial

In a distressing incident, San Jose police and city officials are on a mission to apprehend at least two suspects involved in the audacious theft of a significant piece of the 'Thank You America Memorial.' This monument, located in the Vietnamese Heritage Community Garden, stands as a tribute to the camaraderie between South Vietnamese and American soldiers and the acceptance of Vietnamese refugees in the United States. The centerpiece of this tribute, a hefty 1,500-pound bronze statue of a South Vietnamese soldier, was brazenly stolen, provoking deep distress within the community. The theft was not just a physical assault but a symbolic act, damaging a memorial that holds profound significance for many. Councilmember Bien Doan expressed the community's anguish, emphasizing the emotional value the statue holds. This site, portraying two soldiers – one American and one South Vietnamese – had become a revered symbol of gratitude and remembrance. San Jose police have released surveillance footage that captures the early morning theft on June 21. Despite the perpetrators' attempts to disable electrical equipment on-site, the footage shows the suspects cutting through the fence to gain access. They allegedly used a stolen truck to tow away the statue, flags, and an urn, leaving behind a scene of vandalism and loss. While the statue was recovered a mere half-mile from its original location, the question lingers whether the theft was driven by its material value or laced with animosity. San Jose Police Department's Sgt. Jorge Garibay reaffirmed their commitment to treat the incident with utmost seriousness, promising to pursue hate crime charges if evidence arises to support such a motive. In response to the desecration, both statues have been temporarily withdrawn from the garden, as local authorities and community leaders, spearheaded by Doan, initiate fundraising initiatives to rehabilitate the memorial. This effort underscores the garden's intrinsic worth to the Vietnamese diaspora in San Jose and beyond. Amidst addressing the crime, the call to action is for local residents to assist by sharing any surveillance footage that may expedite identifying the culprits. The Vietnamese community's message is clear – such acts of intolerance will not be capitulated, and the underlying narrative of gratitude and sacrifice must be preserved.