Honoring the Fallen, PWC Restores Portland’s Heroes Wall

At Paul White Company, our core value has always been to support the communities that support us. We are honored that Maine has entrusted us with the delicate restoration of The Easterseals Heroes Wall, located on the DiMillo’s Restaurant boardwalk in Portland’s Old Port.

The wall is composed of over 100 personalized tiles—purchased by friends and family for Maine men and women who served our country. Once purchased, the tiles are etched with individual names and portraits provided by the purchasers. Standing 50 feet long and seven feet tall, the wall can hold up to 700 Veteran tiles, each measuring 8.5 by 11 inches.

Originally opened to the public in 2015, the wall is available for viewing at all hours, 365 days a year. While this means loved ones can remember those they’ve lost, no matter the time of day, it also means that the wall is constantly exposed to the harsh coastal elements.

For over half a decade the elements have battered the wall and we are honored to restore all damaged tiles to their full glory—to respect those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Proper Ingredients

Before we start restoring any piece, we first want to ensure we fully understand the composition and material makeup. Each hero’s tile is, of course, formulated from granite, but we also needed to know how it’s adhered to the wall.

The answer is polymer-modified mortar called Mapei Keraflex Super which is constructed specifically for large and heavy tiles. We know this is an excellent choice for adhesion on an outdoor piece. With a high content of a unique dry polymer, Keraflex not only resists sagging and slumping—it also resists the constant freezing and thawing common in Maine.

Polishing History

Our next task was to carefully remove every damaged tile, then properly transport it back to our warehouse. With the utmost care, we extracted the custom etched ceramic tiles and packaged them on a pallet before beginning the process in our secure warehouse.

Over the next few weeks, we will work to restore each tile—and the captivating images they hold. In addition, we want each inscription—so carefully chosen by family members and friends—to be legible and bold.

We understand the importance of each of these tiles—and the place these veterans hold in Maine’s collective heart. Community members who purchase a tile aren’t only strengthening the memory of their loved one; their funds also support veteran services provided by Easterseals, a nonprofit that provides disability services to all, including veterans and military families.

For us, like many other Mainers, this Easterseals Heroes Wall is a permanent and honorable way to thank and remember Maine’s veterans. We are deeply grateful to be a part of this project that supports the wall.

An Important Tradition

As we focus on tile restoration, we’re ensuring that the wall is always at its best. Every time we work on the wall—whether carefully removing or reinstalling the tiles—we receive clear signs of support and encouragement from folks walking along the waterfront.

Being part of the same Maine community as these veterans, we want their parents, brothers, sisters and friends to feel a tangible sense of pride when they walk past the wall.

It’s the least we can do for those who have given everything they have to us.