According to Japan Today, a bronze statue in a Seattle park modeled after Sadako Sasaki, a 12-year-old Japanese girl who died of leukemia following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, has been found missing from the ankles up. The theft was discovered on Friday and has been reported to the police. Sadako Sasaki is remembered for making over a thousand origami paper cranes in her hospital bed under the belief that it would aid her recovery. The missing statue serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear weapons and the resilience of those affected by such tragedies. 😔🕊️

The statue, titled “Peace Mother,” depicted a mother cradling her dying son after the 1945 bombing. Its theft, discovered by a jogger, occurred despite the sculpture being bolted down. The artist, Yoriko Alodia, expressed deep sadness and disbelief over the incident, emphasizing the statue’s message of peace and remembrance.

Community members and organizations condemned the theft, calling it disrespectful to the memory of Hiroshima’s victims and survivors. The police launched an investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward. The theft has sparked discussions about cultural sensitivity and the importance of preserving memorials that symbolize historical tragedies and promote peace.