Eagle of Hate: Uruguay's WW2 Artifact Dilemma

0:00On March 26th, a massive bronze eagle clutching a swastika sat at the bottom of the river plate off Uruguay for nearly 70 years. It came from the stern of the German battleship Admiral Graf's B, sunk in 1939 during World War II. Divers pulled it up in 2006, along with other parts like a cannon. After a short public showing in Montevideo, the government hid the halftun sculpture on a military base. Officials worried it could attract the wrong attention, like neo-Nazis, after seeing some visitors make salutes or spit at it. The eagle sparked strong reactions over the years. One ex-president wanted to melt it down into a dove of peace, but backed off a mid-backlash. It's also tied up in a legal fight with the expedition's main funder, who's seeking millions in compensation from the state. Now, as the 20th anniversary of the recovery nears, politician Theresa Marzano pushes to display it in Punta del Este. Her idea features it on a ship-like platform with a moat and viewing area, aiming to turn it into a tourist draw with educational videos.

1:06Experts like expedition researcher Daniel Acosta-Wylara argue for a museum instead, with proper history context, or no display at all. The government has not commented on Marzano's plan, leaving the eagle created a way for now. Its future is still up in the air.