USMC Memorial Case History Video

 In the late 1940s private funds helped launch the development and construction of the United States Marine Corps War Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. The iconic flag raising over Iwo Jima was sculpted by Felix de Weldon then cast from plaster into bronze. The giant bronze pieces were assembled on site. In the nearly 70 years since the memorial was constructed, it’s never had a major restoration — until now.

The Historical Restoration Contractor (Tradesmen Group) noted, “The experience working with Sponge-Jet on the U.S. Marine Corp War Memorial project was exceptional. When we faced challenging tasks for cleaning both the bronze sculpture and granite plinth base with other cleaning systems we inquired with experts at Sponge-Jet about possible applications of the SJ system on this project. To our knowledge Sponge-Jet had not previously been used to clean patina bronze surfaces or polished granite surfaces on a monument of similar significance. Sponge-Jet provided outstanding onsite technical support that enabled our company to offer betterments in cleaning both the bronze sculpture and granite base over other cleaning methods considered for the project. Sponge-Jet is in a league all to its own.”

Sponge-Jet is honored to have been a part of this historic restoration.