11-Year-Old Boy Raises over $92,000 for the Pearl Harbor National Museum.

“The moment he started learning about the attack on Pearl Harbor, it took over his every conversation. It was like a fire had been ignited inside him,” said Cheznee Johnson, Harrison’s mother.

Harrison read books, scanned old newspaper articles and listened to radio clips about the December 7, 1941, event. As he learned more, he felt inspired to raise funds for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which resulted in more than $92,000 for the organization.

His passion for learning the stories of Pearl Harbor heroes also moved him to want to visit the spot where the event took place. He persuaded his parents to take him on a trip to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial on Oahu.

Upon his return, he excitedly shared the stories with his classmates, but felt disappointment when they looked at him with puzzled expressions. He realized they were unfamiliar with the significance of the event, which claimed the lives of 2,400 U.S. service members and incited the country’s involvement in WWII. He decided he needed to do something to help preserve the legacies of the service members who served at Pearl Harbor.

“I made up my mind to raise $100,000 and fill the gap in kids’ knowledge about Pearl Harbor,” Harrison explained. “I especially want to share the untold tales of heroes, particularly those of women and minorities like Japanese Americans and African Americans. Their stories deserve recognition.”

One such hero, Doris Miller, served as a Navy cook on the USS West Virginia. Doris helped carry wounded sailors to safety, then courageously manned an anti-aircraft gun to defend his ship despite no prior training. Doris became the first African American honored for his incredible bravery in service when he received the Navy Cross.

“All these heroes have different stories, but they all showed bravery, selflessness and a strong sense of duty,” Harrison shared. “They inspire me to be courageous and to always stand up for what is right.”

In 2022, Harrison started the ‘Harrison’s Heroes’ fundraising campaign for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The organization is committed to remembering, honoring and educating others about the events at Pearl Harbor and the bravery of those who served. He aspires to reach his goal of $100,000 before the 82nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor in December 2024.

Harrison partnered with restaurants and community partners to host fundraising events, and he convinced a local golf club to make Harrison’s Heroes the beneficiary of its annual charity golf tournament. He gave speeches at these events to help elevate the cause.

“It’s a way to learn, show respect and remember our heroes,” he said. “By spreading the word, we keep their memories alive and show our gratitude.”

Harrison said that, like most boys his age, he enjoys watching the action heroes of today’s Marvel movies. However, he knows that the real heroes are the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom.

The Foundation for a Better Life and PassItOn.com believe that Harrison is a hero. His incredible dedication to the mission of preserving history is truly inspiring. His action is a great example of the value of respect.

If you would like to learn more about ‘Harrison’s Heroes’, please visit: https://www.pacifichistoricparks.org/harrisonsheroes

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