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.
“His actions helped save the lives of other people and reduce the number of people who might be injured,” said retired attorney Nadeen Green.
[READ: Convicted Olympic Park bomber to pen autobiography]
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.