The Wayzata Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in recovering a stolen glass artifact from the City of Wayzata‘s 9/11 memorial, located in Panoway Plaza Park.
The vandalism was discovered on Thursday, August 29, when police were alerted that the glass artifact, which was inlaid on top of the granite memorial, had been smashed. However, based on evidence found at the scene, police believe the artifact was not destroyed but forcefully removed and stolen. Only a small glass fragment was left behind.
The photo on the left shows the memorial without glass, and the photo on the right shows the memorial with glass. Submitted photos.
The 9/11 memorial was dedicated on September 11, 2021, in honor of Gordon “Gordy” McCannel Aamoth Jr., a Wayzata native who died during the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. The glass artifact, recovered from the rubble at Ground Zero near Aamoth’s remains, was brought to Minnesota by a New York City police officer and given to Aamoth’s classmate, Steve Nilson, who eulogized him during the memorial dedication.
This simple glass artifact holds immeasurable value to many, especially Gordy Aamoth’s family. “The artifact is a broken piece of glass with historic and sentimental value but no notable tangible value. The WPD and the broader Wayzata community wants the artifact back and we are asking for the public’s help,” a press release from the Wayzata Police Department stated.
The Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition, a nonprofit organization, is offering a $1,000 reward for the safe return of the glass artifact, with no questions asked.
Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact the Wayzata Police Department at their non-emergency phone number: 952-404-5340 or by visiting 600 Rice Street in Wayzata.
You must be logged in to post a comment.