The Marble Doctor Artisans Begin Stone Restoration Work on U.S. Coast Guard Memorial
Restoration Commences on Historic Marble Monument at Arlington National Cemetery
The Marble Doctor, a leading marble restoration, repair and maintenance company located in the D.C. Metro area, was presented with the initial installment by the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association for phase one of a major initiative to restore the U.S. Coast Guard Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Memorial was dedicated in 1928 to honor Coast Guardsmen lost in World War I after the sinking of the torpedoed USCGC Tampa and the action involving the USCGC Seneca and the British Steamship Wellington.
The Memorial was constructed of 12-foot high marble set on a base of pink Stony Creek granite and featuring a bronze seagull. It was sculpted by Gaston Lachaise to exemplify the zeal and persistence of the Coast Guard. The monument has begun to show the damaging effects of more than eight decades of exposure to the elements requiring significant structural and cosmetic repairs.
Marble Doctor was selected to perform the extensive stone restoration work in two phases starting with the pyramid then the encircling mosaic compass rose. Marble Doctor’s experts will restore the monument to its original glory using Old World techniques, taking steps to ensure that the landmark remains beautiful and protected well into the 22nd Century.
The company has performed extensive stone restoration on national treasures including the Bureau of Engraving, the Smithsonian Institute, the Franciscan Monastery, the Italian Embassy and many more.
Rick Wheaton, General Manager of Marble Doctor said, “We are proud to be part of the stone restoration for the U.S. Coast Guard Memorial. Our experts are committed to honing the stone back to its original brilliance and luster worthy of the U.S. Coast Guard.”
“With over 25 years of experience, Marble Doctor represents some of the most knowledgeable and expert marble artisans in the area. Our work is a natural art form that few people in the industry have the talent to perform or take the time to learn.”
The U.S. Coast Guard is prohibited from using appropriated funds for this restoration which is why the DC Chapter of the Chief Petty Officers Association took on this project.
As a not-for-profit organization for war veterans, they are seeking donations from the public, as well as shipmates, family and friends of the Coast Guard, to help support this historic effort. They launched Restoration 2012 to raise $95,000 to restore the U.S. Coast Guard Memorial.
According to BMCS Jon Ostrowski, D.C. Chapter President, “For me, each visit serves as a reminder that although many of our shipmates have been lost, there are many more left to carry on the traditions and memories of ‘Standing the Watch.’ I am honored to work on Restoration 2012 and engage everyone to help us rebuild and restore this great monument to our fallen.”
The restoration efforts are to be completed by May 23, 2013 on the 85th anniversary of the Memorial’s unveiling.
Anyone interested in making a donation may send checks to:
Washington D.C. Chapter
Chief Petty Officers Association
P.O. Box 70105
Washington, D.C. 20024
Donations can also be made at wdccpoa.org.To learn more about The Marble Doctor or for a free consultation, visit the company’s website at MarbleDoctorVA.com or call 703-631-4625.