
The Epoxy glue is being applied to seal the base molding. Photos by Jesus Calo
Marco Island Cemetery is home to a veterans’ monument with a special past. A result of an Eagle Scout project by two boys a decade ago, it has been a gathering place for veterans and their loved ones each Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Harsh elements and time have caused the original monument to become worn and damaged. Repairs have been ongoing. But minor fixes, such as replacing the wind-damaged flags every several months, sealing cracks in the base molding, and restoring the monument’s faded color weren’t enough. It became clear that the monument required professional work, and

The newly renovated Veterans Monument at the Marco Island Cemetery.
Thanks to the restoration, the monument now stands repaired, refreshed and hurricane-proof. There is three feet of cement underneath the monument’s graded platform. An in-ground cemented pipe angled away from the monument insures its stability underneath, along with new base molding, sealed with epoxy glue. During hurricane season there will be a three-inch strap clip that connects the top of

Ten years’ worth of damage to the base prior to recent repairs. Submitted Photo
Sal Scherano has been a Marco Island resident for over thirty years. As a longtime friend to the monument’s originators, he was a guiding influence during the monument’s creation.
Many years ago Scherano had encouraged the continuation of the project – no matter what obstacles were presented along the way. He encouraged the project’s leaders with his great life philosophy. “This is what life is

Rock solid provided a generous discount to complete the new restorations.
This past Memorial Day, veterans and their family and friends gathered at the newly renovated memorial, which stands tall as a serene monument, “In Memory of All Veterans.”
To honor a veteran, pavers are available for purchase. For more information on how to get involved or to make a donation, call the Church of God at 239-394-3469.
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