A 600-pound statue of a Tuskegee Airman has been stolen in the middle of the night from a Detroit Park. The statue was dedicated to the late Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson, who flew 18 missions in World War Two as a Tuskegee Airman. Jefferson was a pioneering member of the first African American military pilots in the US who escorted bombers during the war. After being held captive as a prisoner of war in Poland for nine months, he returned to Detroit where he worked as a school teacher until his passing in 2022 at the age of 100.
In a tribute to his legacy, a life-sized statue was erected in Rouge Park, near Joy and Spinoza, where Jefferson used to fly model airplanes in his later years. However, on Tuesday night, the statue mysteriously disappeared. Local residents noticed its absence the following day and reported it to Detroit police. The granddaughter of Lt. Col. Jefferson, Earnestine Lavergne, expressed her dismay at the theft.
Detroit Police Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes condemned the act, urging anyone with information to come forward. He emphasised the importance of honouring the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen Detroit chapter expressed their shock and disappointment at the theft, labelling it as a disrespectful act that dishonours the memory of those who served courageously.
A reward of $5,000 has been offered by the DPD Rewards TV for any information leading to the statue’s return. Authorities are urging the public to assist in finding the stolen statue to preserve the memory and legacy of Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson.
In summary, the theft of the statue of Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson is a despicable act that has outraged the community and dishonoured the memory of a courageous war hero. The authorities are working to investigate this crime and retrieve the stolen statue to uphold the legacy and honour of the Tuskegee Airmen. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving history and paying tribute to those who have served their country with bravery and distinction.