By Steffen Klenk
The Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial was officially unveiled in a special ceremony held on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, Thursday, June 6, 2024. Located on the grounds of O’Donnel Memorial Park, along Atlantic City’s Albany Avenue, the memorial remembers and honors the sacrifices of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Bernard Friedenberg along with all Americans who served their country during World War II.
The ceremony began with a flyover by the New Jersey National Guard 177th Fighter Wing, followed by opening remarks by master of ceremonies Tom LaMaine, Pledge of Allegiance, posting of the colors, and the National Anthem sung by Michelle Dawn Mooney. The joint invocation was delivered by Pastor Collins Day Sr. of the Second Baptist Church of Atlantic City, with speeches by Rabbi Krause of Beth El Synagogue in Margate and Father Joseph Waggenhoffer.
Members of the Last Salute military funeral honor guard gave a special presentation, firing two cannons, followed by a three bell salute and playing of taps, before presenting an American flag to Susan Friedenberg, Bernie’s daughter.
Susan addressed the crowd. “My father fought to get into the war; he quit Temple University the day that Pearl Harbor was bombed and went home to enlist.” She even addressed the many veterans who were in attendance, with special acknowledgements to the World War II veterans sitting in the front row. “Thank you for your service to our great nation; you saved the world.”
Maj. Gen. John Hussey was the keynote speaker for Thursday’s dedication. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1984 and served as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander in Desert Storm. “If we don’t remember history, we are bound to repeat it. When you’re sitting here on a September night, it’s your job to tell the young children about Bernie, World War II, and the Greatest Generation.”
The statue is named in honor of Bernie Friedenberg, an Atlantic City resident who was deployed in many major battles during World War II, including Operation Torch in Algeria, Omaha Beach in 1944, and the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. He received two Silver Stars for his heroism during the D-Day invasion, along with two Bronze Stars for valor, and two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained during combat.
Upon returning home, he became a staunch advocate for veterans matters and served on the Atlantic County Veterans Advisory Board. Friedenberg’s devotion to service has been recognized by state and local leaders.
Local dignitaries present included State Senator Vince Polistina, Assemblyman Don Guardian, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., Vince Mazzeo, along with Gold Star Mothers, members of the Legion Riders, American Legion Post 352, VFW, Disabled American Vets, Jewish War Veterans, and World War II veterans.
More information on the Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial can be found at www.bfww2.com.
