Thursday, October 23, 2008

Saving a slice of history

Sgt. Michael Holt, 911th Technical Rescue Engineers paints a portion of the 19th century courting gazebo on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Eight Soldiers from the 911th and one of their sons spent Saturday refurbishing the gazebo.

A crew of eight 911th Technical Rescue Engineer Soldiers and one of their sons helped to scrape, preserve and paint the 19th century Victorian courting gazebo on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home Saturday. They were part of a contingent of military volunteer crews who, over the course of several weekends, have refurbished the lattice-paneled, copper roofed, wooden structure that once was located behind the presidential cottage.

To preserve the modest wainscoted structure and maintain historical accuracy, it was moved closer to the residential structures on the grounds. Now former Soldiers are able to enjoy the fresh air within the graceful gazebo and wonder about the stories those walls could tell.