The bean fields and mountains of North Carolina are 5 time zones and more than 5,000 miles from Hawai’i, but such differences are trifles compared to the determination of youth.
11-year-old Harrison Johnson from North Carolina has raised $81,000 to help fund history projects to tell the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The money was raised by collecting donations door-to-door, selling patriotic popsicles, and public speaking engagements (yes, by Harrison himself).
But what brought this spark of patriotic fervor out of this boy’s heart when he had never even seen the famous harbor on Oahu?
According to WRAL, it began in school with a history project. The particulars of the event fascinated Harrison, who began to study it recreationally, reading books and old newspaper accounts, and even speaking to survivors of the attack.
Following a visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Oahu, Harrison was motivated to start a campaign to ensure that the heroes and victims of the date which will live in infamy are never forgotten.
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His fundraising campaign called “Harrison’s Heroes” is looking to raise $100,000 for Pacific Historic Parks, the Non-Profit that stewards the Pearl Harbor memorial. In particular, Harrison hopes it can produce material that expands the story of the attack to include heroic acts from men and women of color, and other underrepresented members.
“We’re so proud and we pray it makes the impact that he intends,” said Harrison’s mom.
WATCH and LISTEN to Harrison explain his motivations…
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