Hundreds of attendees, including several World War II military veterans, convened at Atlantic City’s O’Donnell Memorial Park for the official unveiling and dedication ceremony for the Bernie Friedenberg War II Memorial on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

The Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial honors the distinguished service of Atlantic City-native U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Bernard (Bernie) I. Friedenberg and all other Americans who served their country during World War II. Honored guests at the ceremony, held on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, also included Gold Star Mothers of America members and families of United States military veterans. The event commenced with a military flyover from the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing.

City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. was among the guest speakers during the ceremony along with Susan Friedenberg, the daughter of Bernie Friedenberg; retired U.S. Army Gen. John F. Hussey; and Marco Smigliani, co-chair of the Friends of Bernie Friedenberg.  Mayor Small contributed $430,000 of American Rescue Plan funds to ensure this day would come.