The annual Rosamond Johnson Beach Day is held on May 6 at Johnson Beach in the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Perdido Key. The day is a combined effort of the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce and Gulf Islands National Seashore. The true story 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 from 9 a.m. to noon for attendees of the annual commemoration ceremony will be at 10 a.m. at Johnson Beach. The national seashore was granted a fee waiver by the NPS Regional Director at the park’s request in 2019. Fee waivers may only be authorized by the NPS Regional Director, the Secretary of the Interior, or the President.

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.

For more information on the event go to www.visitperdido.com.