San Jose Leaders Outraged After Vietnamese War Memorial Statue Stolen

San Jose police recovered a stolen portion of the “Thank You America” war memorial on Sunday after thieves tore a statue of a South Vietnamese soldier from its pedestal at the Vietnamese Heritage Garden. Mayor Matt Mahan and city officials pledged accountability and increased security following the incident in the Kelley Park neighborhood.

How was the Vietnamese Heritage Garden memorial stolen?

Officers responded to the site shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday. According to police, thieves used vehicles to tear the South Vietnamese soldier from the monument’s pedestal and drag it toward an exit gate. Debris and tracks marked the path of the theft.

Police located the damaged statue later Sunday afternoon. It had been left near the intersection of the Five Wounds and Coyote Creek trails.

Did You Know? San Jose is home to nearly 150,000 people of Vietnamese heritage, the largest Vietnamese population of any city worldwide outside of Vietnam.

Why is the “Thank You America” statue significant?

The monument commemorates the alliance between the U.S. and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It cost roughly $500,000 and took more than a decade of effort to realize. The statue depicts a South Vietnamese soldier and an American soldier standing side by side.

Councilmember Bien Doan said the monument carries deep meaning for refugees who fled the fall of Saigon. Victor Pham, a South Vietnamese military veteran, told San José Spotlight the crime was painful and suggested there may have been specific intention in targeting the Vietnamese soldier.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the reassignment of security resources to high-profile events, such as the FIFA World Cup, can create temporary vulnerabilities at community landmarks, forcing a trade-off between city-wide event management and localized site protection.

What security failures led to the theft?

Councilmember Bien Doan questioned the city’s commitment to securing the site. Doan stated that a mobile camera police unit previously monitoring the area was recently reassigned to cover FIFA World Cup events taking place across the city.

San Jose police recover large Vietnamese memorial statue stolen from community garden

Doan further claimed that promised security lighting and high-resolution cameras never materialized. This incident follows a previous act of vandalism in March, when an individual cut into the leg of the statue.

What happens next in the investigation?

Assistant Police Chief Ali Miri stated that the investigation is ongoing and “meaningful progress” has been made. No arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified.

Miri said there is currently no indication the theft was a hate crime, though police are keeping all investigative options open. Mayor Matt Mahan said the city may take further measures to secure the garden to prevent future incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What part of the memorial was stolen?
Thieves tore off the portion of the statue depicting a South Vietnamese soldier.

Where was the statue recovered?
Police found the statue near the intersection of the Five Wounds and Coyote Creek trails.

Was the monument previously damaged?
Yes, Councilmember Bien Doan noted the statue was vandalized in March when someone cut into its leg.

Do you believe city resources should be prioritized for major international events or local community landmarks?