Government cutbacks in New York are hitting a continental soldier below the belt.
The statue of Copper John, a continental soldier who sits atop the state’s Auburn Correctional Facility, was removed earlier this summer for renovation.
The beloved figure is set to return to his perch this fall, albeit a lesser man.
Workers sprucing up the 156-year-old statue were told to reduce the size of Copper John’s crotch.
Neither the prison’s superintendent nor the state department of correctional services would discuss the reason for the order.
Departmental spokesperson Linda Foglia confirmed the alteration took place.
Some correction officers weren’t pleased with the reduction and donned shirts in protest. — Sapa-AP