A group trying to create a memorial plaza dedicated to Gen. Danial “Chappie” James Jr. at the foot of the new Pensacola Bay Bridge that bears his name won a crucial agreement from the city last week.
The Pensacola City Council unanimously approved a stewardship agreement with the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. Memorial Foundation for a portion of Wayside Park that will serve as the plaza’s location.
The group has been working for the last several years to try to get the plaza built to honor the famous aviator from Pensacola who was the first African American to become a four-star general in the U.S. military. The group secured and restored a display of an F-4 Phantom II, the type of aircraft James flew in the Vietnam War, and hired Ed Dwight, a sculptor who was the first African American astronaut candidate, to sculpt the larger-than-life statute of James that will stand in the plaza.
Over the last year, the group has attempted to secure the final funds needed to begin construction on the plaza.