January 2026

Harrison’s Heroes: A Mission Accomplished

Four years ago, a family from North Carolina visited Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Among them was an eight-year-old boy who was captivated by what he saw and learned. That visit didn’t end when the family boarded their flight home, it sparked a sense of purpose that continues to inspire all of us today.

When Harrison Johnson returned to school, he was surprised to learn that many of his third-grade classmates knew little about the attack on Pearl Harbor that claimed thousands of lives and propelled the United States into World War II. Harrison believed those stories mattered. Even more, he believed it was his responsibility to help tell them.

Harrison set an ambitious goal: to raise $100,000 to support Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

With the encouragement of his family, Harrison launched Harrison’s Heroes, partnering with Pacific Historic Parks to turn a child’s curiosity into meaningful action. What began as a school project grew into a remarkable grassroots campaign that included community fundraisers, outreach efforts, media interviews, research, and presentations all led by Harrison himself.

On January 16, 2026, that journey came full circle during a special ceremony at Pearl Harbor National Memorial, sponsored by Pacific Historic Parks. Surrounded by proud family members, friends, and community leaders, the now 12-year-old Harrison presented a check for $110,000 exceeding his original goal and making a lasting investment in education and preservation.

“What struck us was not only his grasp of history, but his sense of responsibility,” said Aileen Utterdyke, President and CEO of Pacific Historic Parks. “He believed these stories mattered and he chose to act on that belief.”

Hawaii Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi submitted proclamations honoring Harrison’s efforts. Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke praised him as a powerful example for the next generation, saying, “How fortunate are we that when we think about the future, we have young leaders like Harrison to look to.”

Thanks to Harrison and donors like you the impact of that generosity is already being felt.

The funds raised through Harrison’s Heroes directly support Pacific Historic Parks’ education and preservation mission. One of the most exciting outcomes is a new virtual reality learning experience, developed by Harrison in collaboration with the PHP education team. This innovative program allows students to step back in time to stand on the decks of the USS Arizona, witness Pearl Harbor as it appeared on December 7, 1941, and follow the real-life stories of sailors and Marines who served that day.

“This VR program brings history to life in a way books alone cannot,” Harrison shared. “It allows students to see, feel, and understand what happened and why it matters.”

After the ceremony, Harrison joined students as they experienced the VR program firsthand, watching as history became personal, immediate, and unforgettable.

Later that day, upon learning that World War II veteran Melvin Herold was visiting Pearl Harbor National Memorial, his first visit to Hawaii and the USS Arizona Memorial, Harrison sought him out to personally thank him for his service. It was a quiet, powerful moment that embodied exactly why preservation and education matter.

Harrison Johnson reminds us of what is possible when passion meets purpose, and when donors like you invest in keeping history alive for future generations.

Because of your support, stories are preserved. Students are engaged. And the legacy of Pearl Harbor continues to inspire responsibility, understanding, and remembrance.

Thank you for making this work possible.

Pacific Historic Parks is the leading organization supporting significant historical sites in the Pacific for future generations. Through education, interpretive programs, research, preservation, and restoration, we work to perpetuate the memory of events and honor the people involved in these historic Pacific locations.