25 Years Later, Atlantic City Remembers: Lest We Forget

Hey Folks,

Today marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and while a quarter of a century has passed, this is one of those dates that never really becomes part of the distant past. For the families who lost loved ones, the first responders who ran toward danger, the men and women who served our country in the years that followed, and millions of Americans who remember exactly where they were that morning, September 11 remains deeply personal. Here in Atlantic City, we have our own tradition of coming together to make sure those lives, sacrifices and stories are never forgotten.

This morning, Friday, September 11, the community is invited to gather at the Saracini-O’Neill Atlantic City 9/11 Memorial at Jackson Avenue and the Boardwalk. The ceremony begins at 10:00 AM, and if you’re in Atlantic City this morning, I encourage you to make some time to attend. There are plenty of occasions when we head to the Boardwalk looking for entertainment, a good meal or a little fun, but this morning gives us an opportunity to gather there for something much more meaningful.

A Ceremony That Means Something

I’ve always believed one of Atlantic City’s greatest strengths is the way people show up for one another. We celebrate together, work together, support our neighbors and, when the moment calls for it, stand together and remember. Today’s ceremony brings residents and visitors together with police officers, firefighters, veterans, military families and community leaders to honor the people we lost on September 11, 2001, along with those whose service and sacrifice continued in the years that followed.

The remembrance includes participation from the Atlantic City Police Department Honor Guard and Atlantic City Fire Department, along with a wreath placement by retired Atlantic County police officers and firefighters. Patriotic music, a traditional bell ceremony, Taps and a rifle volley by American Legion Post 469 are also part of the observance. The Sandpipers Pipes & Drums of Atlantic County will participate, and renowned sand artist John Gowdy is creating a 40-ton patriotic sand sculpture for this year’s 25th anniversary ceremony. Taken together, these traditions make this much more than another event on the calendar; they give our community a chance to stop what we’re doing and remember why this day still matters.

Honoring Atlantic City’s Own Shane Fox

This year’s ceremony also has a special local connection as Atlantic City native Lt. Cmdr. Shane Fox, U.S. Navy (ret.), receives the 2026 Hero Award. Shane was born and raised in Atlantic City, graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1999 and went on to attend the United States Naval Academy. He ultimately completed a 20-year career as a naval officer before retiring from military service in 2023, and today he continues giving back by teaching technology and engineering to the next generation.

I always enjoy seeing Atlantic City recognize one of its own, especially someone whose life reflects service both to country and community. People sometimes forget just how many remarkable individuals have come out of this city and South Jersey, carrying with them the toughness, work ethic and sense of community they developed here. Shane Fox is another example of that tradition, and honoring him during the 25th anniversary observance makes today’s ceremony particularly meaningful.

Remembering Our Local 9/11 Families

The Saracini-O’Neill Memorial itself is an important reminder that September 11 is part of our local history, too. The memorial carries the names of Capt. Victor Saracini, John O’Neill, Patricia Cody and Andrew Alameno, each with connections to our region. It also recognizes eight Atlantic County members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives during military service in the post-9/11 era. Their names make the events of September 11 and everything that followed much more personal for those of us who call South Jersey home.

That’s one reason ceremonies like this remain so important 25 years later. September 11 didn’t affect only New York City, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. Its impact reached families, neighborhoods, firehouses, police departments and communities throughout South Jersey and across the country. A new generation has now grown up with no firsthand memory of that morning, which makes it even more important that we continue telling these stories, saying these names and explaining why Americans made a promise that day to Never Forget.

Today’s Atlantic City 9/11 Ceremony

• Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM
• Location: Jackson Avenue and the Boardwalk, Atlantic City
• Admission: Free and open to the public
• Weather: Ceremony is scheduled rain or shine
• Accessibility: Ceremony area is wheelchair accessible
• Information: Atlantic City 9/11 Memorial

Organizers recommend arriving early and allowing some additional time for parking. You can also learn more about today’s observance from our friends at Shore Local Newsmagazine.

25 Years Later, We Remember

Most weeks, I’m telling you about concerts, restaurants, casinos, Boardwalk happenings and all the great things to do in Atlantic City and around the Jersey Shore. That’s part of what I love about sharing this community with you. Today, however, deserves a different kind of attention. It’s a day to remember the people who went to work that morning, boarded airplanes, answered emergency calls, rushed into buildings to help strangers and later put on a uniform to serve our country.

If you’re anywhere near the Atlantic City Boardwalk this morning, consider making your way down to Jackson Avenue and standing alongside your neighbors, our police officers, firefighters, veterans and military families. You don’t need to know anyone participating, and you don’t need to make a speech or say anything profound. Sometimes simply being there, standing together as a community and taking a few moments to remember is enough. Twenty-five years later, that’s how we continue to honor a promise made by a generation of Americans: Remember. Honor. Never Forget.

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AC Mike