Seattle, WA – Friends of Discovery Park (FoDP) invites the public to a special commemoration on October 19, 2024, marking the 80th anniversary of a 1944 civil rights tragedy at Fort Lawton. This long-overlooked chapter in American history, in which 28 Black soldiers were wrongfully convicted during World War II, will be memorialized with the unveiling of two new historical signs in Discovery Park.
On the night of the incident, a fight between a Black soldier and an Italian Prisoner of War (POW) escalated into a riot, and the following day, a POW was found dead. Despite a lack of evidence, 43 Black soldiers were charged, and 28 were convicted. It wasn’t until decades later, with by now declassified military records, that a fuller story emerged. Jack Hamann published On American Soil in 2005, and the Army exonerated the soldiers in 2007, acknowledging the injustice.
Event Highlights:
Date/Time: October 19, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Discovery Park Visitor Center (3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199)
Speakers: Phil Vogelzang, President of Friends o3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199f Discovery Park; Jack Hamann, author of On American Soil; Tera Beach of Jim McDermott’s office; Anthony Long of MOHAI; Major Ben Joslin US Army
“This commemoration is a powerful reminder of the racial injustices of the past, and we hope the new signage will honor those whose lives were forever altered by this tragic set of events,” said Phil Vogelzang, President of Friends of Discovery Park.
The installation of the signs has been part of a two-year project by Friends of Discovery Park, with support from the City’s Department of Neighborhoods. In addition to these commemorative signs, the organization will unveil two others celebrating the Park's history and natural beauty as part of FoDP’s 50th anniversary.
Parking for the event will be limited, and attendees are encouraged to use public transportation or carpool. Light refreshments will be provided, and board members will be available to discuss ongoing preservation efforts.
About Friends of Discovery Park
Friends of Discovery Park is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to protecting and preserving Seattle’s largest green space. Since 1974, we have worked to uphold the Discovery Park Master Plan, ensuring that this natural sanctuary remains a place of quiet, tranquility, and unspoiled beauty for all. Through advocacy, community action, and education, we defend the park’s integrity, promote its natural character, and foster equitable access to nature. From trail restoration to educational programs, our mission is simple: to keep Discovery Park wild for future generations. Learn more: fodp.org.
This project is funded in part by a Neighborhood Matching Fund award from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, and coordinated with support of Seattle Parks & Recreation.
Comments