New Plaque Installed To Honor James E. Harrison In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, CO — A new park sign and memorial plaque were installed at James E. Harrison Park Tuesday. The park honors acclaimed Tuskegee Airman James Harrison, who was given the Congressional Gold Medal before he died at age 85 in 2010.

In June, Lakewood City Council approved renaming S. Simms Street Park the James E. Harrison Park to honor the former Tuskegee Airman for his years of service to the Lakewood community.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American group of U.S. military pilots, and were segregated from other airmen. Harrison was known for rising above the racism, and never dwelling on it. And he also rose in his ranks, retiring as a major.

Harrison was active in the Lakewood community as a member of St. Jude Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Glennon Heights Homeowners Association. He also served as a neighborhood block captain for the Lakewood Police Department's neighborhood watch program.

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Harrison joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and flew with the 332nd Fighter Group. After World War II, he flew in the occupation forces in Japan, and later joined the Strategic Air Command as a B-52 commander.

In 2007, Harrison and other Tuskegee Airmen flew to Washington and were given the Congressional Gold Medal. While presenting the medals, then-President George W. Bush acknowledged the racism the airmen endured throughout their careers. Bush called the medals "a gesture to help atone for all the unreturned salutes and unforgivable indignities."

Mayor Adam Paul and city council will participate in a park dedication on Monday, August 26, at 11 a.m. The public is invited to attend the event and celebrate Harrison's legacy.