“A Day to Remember”: Ocean City Continues a Tradition of 9/11 Remembrance

Ocean City, New Jersey, will once again honor the lives lost and the spirit of community renewed after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, with its annual “A Day to Remember” memorial ceremony. The event, which has been a staple in the community since the evening of the attacks, is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

The ceremony will take place outdoors in front of the Ocean City Fire Department headquarters, located on Asbury Avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to show their support and remembrance.

The program will feature music, prayer, and solemn reflections on the profound impact of 9/11. A key component of the ceremony is the Striking of the Four Fives, a time-honored tradition in the fire service used to honor a firefighter who has died in the line of duty. This poignant tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the heroic sacrifices made by first responders on that day and in the years since.

This year’s speakers will include Mayor Jay Gillian, Police Chief Bill Campbell, and Fire Chief Bernie Walker, all of whom will share their perspectives and words of remembrance. A special guest speaker will be Gerard Lynch, an ambassador for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The foundation, which was created in memory of a firefighter who lost his life on 9/11, provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families and builds specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. The foundation’s presence at the ceremony underscores Ocean City’s commitment to supporting those who have sacrificed for our nation’s safety and freedom.

The Ocean City community has a strong tradition of coming together to remember 9/11. As Mayor Gillian has noted in the past, the city has held a ceremony every year since the night of the attacks, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to never forget. The event is not only a memorial for the victims but also a celebration of the resilience and unity that emerged from the tragedy. For more information, the public can call 609-399-6111.