BAYONET MISSING FROM “SOLDIER AT REST” STATUE


The day Michael Kraus, Curator at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, proposed to team up with the City of Pittsburgh in cataloging and restoring the military memorials throughout the city, Soldiers & Sailors was hit with an ironic situation. 

On Tuesday, June 8, Mr. Kraus discovered the approximate two foot bayonet missing which was  mounted on top of the "Soldier at Rest's" musket outside the front of the memorial. Reviewing recent photographs taken of the familiar grand entrance of the hall, the staff has narrowed down the disappearance occurring between March 12, 2010 and April 26, 2010.

With the assistance of the City of Pittsburgh Police Department, Soldiers & Sailors is looking through archived security camera footage in order to catch the people involved in the bayonet's disappearance.  President Ron Gancas has offered a reward of $2,000 for information that leads to a conviction.  However, if the people involved return the bayonet there will be no questions asked.

"This was a disgraceful action done by an ignorant person or group," stated Michael Kraus. "The "Soldier at Rest" Statue was created by Sculptor Frederick C. Hibbard in 1922 specifically for Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall. Soldiers & Sailors is preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the doors opening.  Now money being raised to bring awareness to the museum and our mission to honor those who serve our country, will be needed to correct some senseless act."