City of Orlando, FL

02/05/2026 | Press release | Archived content

Historic Sign Unveiling Honoring Gilbert McQueen

Historic Sign Unveiling Honoring Gilbert McQueen

Last updated on February 05, 2026

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, District 5 City Commissioner Shan Rose and District 6 City Commissioner Bakari F. Burns to unveil historic sign honoring Gilbert McQueen

WHAT:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will join District 5 City Commissioner Shan Rose, District 6 City Commissioner Bakari F. Burns and community members to unveil a historic sign honoring Gilbert McQueen at the park that bears his name.

A graduate of Jones High School, Private Gilbert Demopolis McQueen served in the 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division and was the first African American from Orlando killed in combat during the Korean War. Following McQueen's death in 1951, the city invested in improvements at Lake Mann, which was later named Gilbert McQueen Park in his honor. Unveiled during Black History Month, the historic marker recognizes McQueen's enduring legacy of service, sacrifice and community leadership.

WHEN:
Thursday, February 5, 2026
10:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Gilbert McQueen Park
650 West Lake Mann Drive

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Contact Us

Ashley Papagni
Public Information Manager
[email protected]
407.246.4275

Andrea Otero
Public Information Manager
[email protected]
321.689.7085

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City of Orlando, FL published this content on February 05, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 05, 2026 at 23:45 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]