The statue of Father Marquette was vandalized sometime between Tuesday, Oct. 30 and Wednesday, Oct. 31. Red spray paint covers the bronze face of Jacques Marquette, the man for whom this city is named after.

The statue has been a fixture in this community for the past 115 years since its installation in 1897. The defacing of this statue is an act of ignorance, and the person who perpetrated the crime should be brought to justice.

If any student or community member knows any information about the person or persons who vandalized the statue, they should contact the Marquette Police Department at (906) 228-0400.

In addition, the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee is offering a $500 reward for any information leading to the arrest of those involved in this crime.The statue has been a part of Marquette’s city scape for more than 100 years and characterizes the impressive history of not only Marquette, but of the Upper Peninsula as well.

Father Marquette travelled to the Upper Peninsula in 1673 as a missionary from France. During his time, he explored the Midwest and journeyed almost as far as the Gulf of Mexico. He was a dedicated, adventurous man and the city that was named after him has built upon these virtues to establish such a wonderful community.

It is men like Father Marquette who helped discover places throughout the Midwest. In addition to Marquette, there are four other towns in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin that are named for him. Father Marquette’s legacy deserves more than a coat of crimson spray paint.

Help bring the vandal to justice so that Marquette can restore not just its beautiful bronze statue, but also its sense of community pride.