A "Thank You, America" monument, dedicated to South Vietnamese soldiers and refugees who found a new home in the United States, was stolen from San Jose's Vietnamese Heritage Garden but was recovered by police the same day.
San Jose Police reported that two suspects targeted the monument, located on Roberts Avenue, in the early morning hours of June 21. The theft involved the 9-foot statue and several American flags. Officers responded to the scene after the theft was reported at approximately 1:24 p.m. and initiated an investigation.
By 3:30 p.m., law enforcement officers located the stolen statue near Coyote Creek Trail and Highway 280. Investigators also found a commercial truck that is believed to have been used in the heist. This truck had been reported stolen days earlier from a business on Monterey Road.
The suspects have not been identified and remain at large. Police have released surveillance photos and video of the individuals, seeking public assistance in their identification. Authorities encourage residents to review any personal surveillance systems for additional footage that could aid the investigation, emphasizing that even seemingly minor details can be helpful.
The "Thank You, America" monument was created as a tribute to the American and South Vietnamese troops who served during the Vietnam War and to commemorate the refugees who later resettled in the U.S. The monument was inspired by a similar memorial in Orange County's Little Saigon and was erected after years of advocacy by the local Vietnamese American community to express gratitude to the U.S. for its role in welcoming refugees following the fall of Saigon.