Georgia World Congress Heart Authority honors Richard Jewell at Centennial Olympic Park – WSB-TV Channel 2

ATLANTA – It’s the day Richard Jewell’s family has been waiting for 25 years – the unveiling of a tribute to Jewell at Centennial Olympic Park.

“I know he looks down on us and sees what’s going on, and he’s finally getting the credit he deserves, and I know he’s smiling at us today,” said Dana Jewell, Richard’s widow.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Dana Jewell was one of the first to see the memorial when park officials unveiled it at a ceremony in downtown Atlanta on Wednesday.

After the 1996 Olympic Park bombing, Richard Jewell – who worked as a security guard in the park – became the prime suspect in the case. But the memorial remembers him for what he was – a hero who helped evacuate the park and save countless lives.

“He was as humble as they said,” said Dana Jewell. “I don’t know how he would react to that.”

SIMILAR POSTS:

Retired Atlanta attorney Nadeen Green led the fight for the Jewell Memorial, but she says she struggled with it until a story about her efforts aired on Channel 2 in 2019.

“Your willingness to believe two years ago that my idea would be newsworthy, give me a little airtime. That’s me when I passed the baton on to you as the newscaster, “Green told Channel 2’s Justin Wilfon.

“MS. Nadeen Green fought for it, and so did you, Justin, and I appreciate that,” Dana Jewell said to Wilfon.

Green says our story caught the attention of Georgia World Congress Center officials who run the park. She says they agree that a tribute to Jewell in the park would be a welcome addition.

“I wish he could have been here,” said Dana Jewell. “I wish he’d be right next to me. But he’s with us today. “

The memorial also honors other police officers who responded to the bombing scene.

Richard Jewell’s mother, Bobi, was also present at the unveiling of the monument.

“He would be very excited, but he would say that’s my job, mom,” said Bobi. “And that was Richard.”

SIMILAR NEWS:

© 2021 Cox Media Group