Event Celebrates All Wars Memorial Building’s 100th Birthday
Image of All Wars Memorial Building in Atlantic City. Photo courtesy of City of Atlantic City
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CITY – Atlantic City held a special program on Friday, Aug. 15, recognizing the 100th anniversary of the All Wars Memorial Building, a facility created for African American veterans.
The building, which at one point was in danger of being closed, stands to monument to the “outstanding service, commitment and dedication,” of Black veterans, which opened after World War I at 1510 Adriatic Avenue.
“Our celebration says that we recognize that the history of African Americans is a critical part of American history,” City council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz told Front Runner New Jersey. “Our celebration shows that we will not let our history be erased or diminished or even distorted.
“The tremendous turnout shows [at Friday’s event] that we have community interest and support to prepare the All Wars Memorial Building for another 100 years of heritage, history and service.”
Shabazz has been coordinating the yearlong event for the facility, which is also known as the Soldier’s Home.
“[All Wars Memorial Building] has served as a beacon of resilience and unity for veterans of color during a time of segregation and beyond,” the city said in a statement earlier this year. “To highlight their sacrifices and uplift their spirits, all veterans of color and their families are asked to send photos and/or share stories from Soldiers Hone over the years.”
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. along with Shabazz and other Black veterans spoke at the event on Friday. Ralph Hunter, founder of the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey also spoke at the event.
The building has undergone two major renovations, the last ending in 2023. Another renovation is in the works through the benefit of a grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust and the National Parks Service.
“As the elected representative for the Third Ward where the All Wars Memorial Building stands, I plan to seek in concert with the administration upgrades and improvements to this iconic institution in the Atlantic City Community,” Shabazz said.
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