Workers have completed work on the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial in time for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.
Scaffolding was taken down Saturday morning after preservationists from the Historic Preservation Training Center removed a controversial quote from the side of the statue. The quote, “I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness,” was paraphrased from the civil rights leader’s “Drum Major” speech.
Critics said the quote made King sound arrogant.
Work began in July to remove the quote, but problems arose when sandblasting work was left out of the contract. Various materials were tried, including walnut shells, until a fine powder was used that would not mar the statue.
The 50th anniversary of the March on Washington is scheduled for August 28.