Fearing for the structural integrity of the three-story-tall memorial, officials plan to erase the paraphrase of a quotation from King’s famous “drum major” speech that appears on the memorial.
In February, the government announced that it was aiming to remove the brief, original inscription and carve in the entire quotation, which the inscription paraphrases.
“The plan to remove, instead of replace, the quote was recommended by the original sculptor, Master Lei Yixin, as the safest way to ensure the structural integrity of the memorial was not compromised,” the Interior Department said in a statement.
“After close consultation with all parties, Secretary Salazar, the National Park Service, the King family and the Memorial Foundation, and Master Lei Yixin all concur that this is the best path.”
