ATLANTA — It’s the day the family of Richard Jewell waited 25 years for -- the unveiling of a tribute to Jewell in Centennial Olympic Park.
“I know that he’s looking down on us, and he sees what’s going on, and he’s finally getting the recognition that he deserves, and I know he’s smiling on us today,” said Dana Jewell, Richard’s widow.
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After the 1996 Olympic Park bombing, Richard Jewell -- who was working as a security guard in the park -- became the prime suspect in the case. But the monument remembers him for what he was – a hero who helped evacuate the park and save countless lives.
Dana Jewell was among the first to see the monument when park officials unveiled it at a ceremony Wednesday in downtown Atlanta.
“He was so humble, as they said,” said Dana Jewell. “I don’t know how he would react this.”
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Retired Atlanta attorney Nadeen Green led the fight for the Jewell monument, but it’s something she says she struggled to accomplish until a story about her efforts aired on Channel 2 in 2019.
“Your being willing two years ago to think that my idea might be newsworthy, give me a little airtime. That was me passing the baton from me to you as a news person,” Green said to Channel 2′s Justin Wilfon.
“Ms. Nadeen Green fought for this, and you too, Justin, and I appreciate that,” said Dana Jewell to Wilfon.
Green says our story caught the attention of Georgia World Congress Center officials who operate the park. She says they agreed that a tribute to Jewell in the park would be a welcomed addition.
“I wish he could have been here,” said Dana Jewell. “I wish he was standing right here beside me. But he’s with us today.”
The monument also honors other law enforcement officers who responded to the bombing scene.
Richard Jewell’s mother, Bobi, was also in attendance for the monument’s unveiling.
“He would be very thrilled, but he would say that was my job, mom,” said Bobi. “And that was Richard.”
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