Mayor Marty Small Donates $25,000 to Atlantic City 9/11 Memorial on 25th Anniversary
The contribution from Small’s inaugural gala was announced as Atlantic City marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a memorial ceremony and community tribute.
ATLANTIC CITY — Mayor Marty Small Sr. presented a surprise $25,000 donation to the Saracini-O’Neill Foundation on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, during Atlantic City’s ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The foundation is the volunteer organization responsible for maintaining the Saracini-O’Neill Atlantic City 9/11 Memorial at Jackson Avenue and the Boardwalk.
The contribution came from money raised through Small’s inaugural gala in May. The gala was organized as a charitable event, with the proceeds designated to support local nonprofit organizations and community causes.
“This is an opportunity to give back to the people who work year-round to preserve this important memorial and make sure its meaning is never forgotten,” Small said.
“Today is also about remembering those we lost and honoring the heroes who continue to inspire us,” the mayor continued. “To the families who lost loved ones, to the brave men and women who served, and to the police officers, firefighters and first responders across our nation who answered the call, we salute you for your service and sacrifice.”
Atlantic City Observes the 25th Anniversary
A large crowd gathered at the oceanfront memorial as Atlantic City joined communities throughout the country in remembering the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
The ceremony included an honor guard, wreath placement, patriotic music, a ceremonial bell ringing, the playing of “Taps” and a rifle volley.
Small was joined by members of the Atlantic City Police and Fire departments, county and state officials, law enforcement representatives, first responders, veterans, families and community members.
Atlantic City native Lt. Cmdr. Shane Fox, U.S. Navy retired, was presented with the memorial’s 2026 Hero Award during the ceremony.
Remembering September 11, 2001
The 2026 ceremony marked a significant milestone: 25 years since 19 terrorists affiliated with al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.
Two of the planes struck the World Trade Center towers in New York City. A third crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew members attempted to regain control of the aircraft.
The attacks killed 2,977 people from 93 nations, not including the hijackers. The victims included passengers and airline crew members, office workers, military personnel, firefighters, police officers and other first responders. Thousands of survivors and rescue and recovery workers have also faced long-term health consequences connected to the attacks and their aftermath.
The Atlantic City memorial is named in honor of Capt. Victor J. Saracini and John P. O’Neill, two men with connections to Atlantic City who died in the attacks.
Saracini was the captain of United Airlines Flight 175, the plane hijackers flew into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. O’Neill was a former FBI counterterrorism official who had recently become head of security at the World Trade Center. He died while assisting with evacuation efforts in the South Tower.
The Boardwalk memorial includes a section of steel recovered from the World Trade Center. The Saracini-O’Neill Foundation operates as a private, nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to honoring those who died and preserving the history and lessons of September 11.
Additional Gala Donations to Be Announced
Small is scheduled to announce the total amount raised through his inaugural gala during a news conference at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at Hard Rock Cafe inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
Checks are also expected to be presented to other local organizations selected to receive proceeds from the gala.
Photo Gallery: Atlantic City Remembers September 11
Atlantic City residents, public officials, first responders, veterans and families gathered at the Saracini-O’Neill Atlantic City 9/11 Memorial to honor the victims, recognize acts of courage and ensure that the lessons of September 11 are passed to future generations.
The following photographs capture scenes from Atlantic City’s observance of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
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