On this Memorial Day we should remember that one of our most famous and beautiful beaches is names for a young soldier who lost his life in combat. Many pass by the beach daily and know the name but they may not know the story. The truth behind the beach naming is amazing and inspiring.

After enlisting in the Army at only 15 years old, Private Johnson died in combat two years later at age 17. Johnson rescued two injured soldiers and brought them to safety before he was fatally wounded while returning for a third comrade. He was the first Escambia County resident to die in the Korean War. Johnson posthumously received the Purple Heart on Aug. 21, 1950.

Erin Wilmer, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Military Affairs Council stated “The story of the selfless bravery of Private Johnson is a story worthy of national attention and we hope to see the public awareness of the history of this beach grow in the years to come.”

At the time of Johnson’s death, Pensacola beaches were racially segregated. The Sunset Riding Club, Inc. leased a county-owned recreational area in 1950 for the sole use of bathing and recreational facilities for “colored citizens.” In honor of his ultimate sacrifice, and in recognition as the first Escambia County resident to die in the Korean war, the recreational area became known as Rosamond Johnson Beach. The area became part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore in 1971, and the name was retained. Today, a monument and exhibit honor Private Johnson and his service.

For the more than a decade, the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce has invited the Johnson Family, local and national dignitaries and the public to the beach to honor the memory of this local hero.

In honor of the sacrifice paid by Army Private Rosamond Johnson and his family, the National Park Service waives entrance fees to Johnson Beach one day each year for attendees of the annual commemoration ceremony. The ceremony typically happens during the first week of May.

Johnson Beach is one of the most popular beach recreation areas of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.