Stolen WWI monument rebuilt and dedicated at Saratoga Park in Bed-Stuy

A World War I memorial that was stolen from Saratoga Park has been rebuilt and dedicated in Bed-Stuy. The original monument was created by Italian-American sculptor James Novelli in 1920 and featured

News 12 Staff

Sep 11, 2014, 3:05 AM

Updated 3,851 days ago

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A World War I memorial that was stolen from Saratoga Park has been rebuilt and dedicated in Bed-Stuy.
The original monument was created by Italian-American sculptor James Novelli in 1920 and featured a woman holding a palm frond and shield, symbolizing peace and war. It cost $5,500 to construct.
The bronze rolls that listed the 106 servicemen from Bed-Stuy who were killed in WWI were stolen in 1970. The statue itself was stolen in 2000.
The 10-foot monument was rebuilt with the help of $350,000 in funding from the City Council, along with support from the Parks Department and the community. Borough President Eric Adams and other community leaders gathered to unveil the monument Wednesday afternoon.
Officials say the memorial serves as a staple of Brooklyn's rich and storied American history.