On September 11, 2001, two distinguished individuals with deep ties to Atlantic City, Captain Victor Saracini and FBI Agent John P. O’Neill lost their lives amid the tragic events that unfolded at the World Trade Center. Their memory lives on through the Saracini‑O’Neill Atlantic City 9/11 Memorial, a private, all-volunteer-operated memorial (501(c)(3)) dedicated to honoring them, other local victims, and heroes in the years since.
Honoring Local Heroes
Victor Saracini, a native of Atlantic City, captained United Airlines Flight 175, tragically hijacked and flown into the South Tower. A former U.S. Navy aviator, he was a respected pilot and beloved community member.
John P. O’Neill, also an Atlantic City native and a graduate of Holy Spirit High School, had become one of the nation’s foremost counterterrorism experts. As director of security at the World Trade Center, he died while helping evacuate the South Tower.
The memorial poignantly includes other New Jersey natives such as Patricia Cody and Andrew Alameno, along with local military members who sacrificed their lives in post-9/11 service.
The Ceremony: A Yearly Tribute
Each year on September 11 at 10:00 AM, regardless of weather, the community gathers at this memorial on Jackson Avenue and the Boardwalk to honor both the victims and those who continue to serve. The ceremony embodies unity, remembrance, and patriotism.
Highlights include:
- A massive 30×60-foot American flag suspended between fire department ladder trucks.
- Musical tributes by the ACFD Sandpipers Pipes & Drums alongside local vocalists.
- A 40‑ton 9/11-themed sand sculpture, crafted by renowned artist John Gowdy, symbolizing reflection and mourning.
- A solemn three-volley rifle salute by VFW Post 9462, followed by a three-round Civil War cannon volley by Last Salute, and memorial flag presentations.
- The “Heroes Among Us” portion where USMC Sgt. Chuck Knutson of Last Salute presents a folded flag to someone distinguished for service.
Beyond September 11: Year‑Round Dedication
This memorial’s care extends year-round. Volunteers tend to light maintenance, plant seasonal flowers, insert American flags in planters, and observe proper flag protocol such as lowering to half-staff when required. On patriotic occasions like Memorial Day, the site features a “Field of Flags,” often planting up to 1,000 flags.
Looking Forward: Vision & Community Support
The organization has ambitious goals. Plans include constructing a memorial wall bearing the names of the roughly 700 New Jerseyans who perished on 9/11 and creating a scholarship fund in honor of Saracini, O’Neill, Cody, and Alameno.
Operating on volunteer effort and donations, the memorial requests support through contributions, ranging from flowers and flags to sponsorships, with every dollar fully tax-deductible.
Final Reflection
The Saracini‑O’Neill Atlantic City 9/11 Memorial is more than a site of remembrance. It’s a living testament to local heroes, collective grief, and a pledge that the community will never forget. Each ceremony weaves memory, patriotism, and hope, ensuring that the legacy of Saracini, O’Neill, and all others honored there continues to resonate deeply in Atlantic City and beyond.Atlantic City Car & Limo can provide transportation for those wanting to attend the memorial service and also to get to and from the airport.
Atlantic City Limo and Car Service
3214 Atlantic Brigantine Boulevard
Brigantine, NJ 08203
609-686-LIMO(5466)
https://atlanticcitycarandlimo.com/
