Restoration Efforts Continue at Rainbow Monument

Restoration efforts continue at the Rainbow Monument off Clinton Road as the Village prepares for the 100th anniversary celebration of Camp Mills, which was located in the southeast area of the Village during World War I.

The monument is located on Saint James Street South. Camp Mills received troops from across the country for deployment to France, including the famous 42nd (Rainbow) Division. A ceremony commemorating its centennial will be held August 12, 2017 at the site beginning at noon.

The Village wishes to acknowledge the efforts of longtime Garden City resident Cyril Smith for his efforts in bringing to the Village's attention the importance of this memorial and the need for its restoration and helping coordinate the ceremony.

Dave Bliss from Sprung Monuments of Babylon is power washing and chemically cleaning the memorial as well as the concrete benches surrounding it. Pointing and re-caulking, color and contrasting designs and highlights are all included in the scope of work the Board of Trustees approved at its June 1, 2017 meeting.

Joseph Piersa and Domenick Stanco from the Department of Public Works are overseeing the project. Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi regularly visits the site and is pleased with the progress.

“The beautiful restoration of the Rainbow Division Memorial for its Centennial Celebration is a respectful tribute to the history of Camp Mills, the Rainbow Division formation and to all of the men and women in our military families who have and continue to preserve our nation’s path of freedom,” Mr. Suozzi said.