ATLANTA — More than two decades after a terror attack during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, the man who saved lives that night and stopped a greater disaster is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
In the days and weeks after the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, security guard Richard Jewell became a suspect.
Now, 23 years later, he’ll finally be remembered for what he really was – a hero.
[READ: Convicted Olympic Park bomber to pen autobiography]
“His actions helped save the lives of other people and reduce the number of people who might be injured,” said retired attorney Nadeen Green.
Centennial Park officials confirmed to Channel 2's Justin Wilfon they'll put a plaque or marker at the site of the bombing honoring Jewell.
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It’s something Green began fighting for two years ago.
“He deserved to be acknowledged as a hero and that is what he was,” Green said.
But it's something Green said she struggled to accomplish until Wilfon's original story about her idea several months ago.
“That jump-started the dialogue,” Green said.
After that, she said, park officials quickly agreed to honor Jewell.
[READ: Eastwood's film adaptation of Olympic Park bombing leaves survivor with mixed emotions]
“I’m extremely thrilled for Mr. Jewell about that,” Green said.
It’s also thrilling for Jewell’s widow.
In a statement, she said:
“I am very excited about the plaque. I think it is way overdue. I appreciate that it is going to be done and wish Richard was here to be a part of this.”
Years after he died, Jewell will finally receive a hero’s welcome.
“Forever his name will be there, as it should be,” Green said.
The marker is expected to be unveiled in early March.
Cox Media Group
