Bergen County Honors World War II POWs on National Recognition Day
photos courtesy of Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, in a powerful ceremony on National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day, Bergen County paid tribute to two local heroes who endured the unimaginable hardships of being World War II Prisoners of War. The event, held in Hackensack, honored Harold Friedeman, a 100-year-old veteran, and posthumously recognized Staff Sgt. Frank S. Demeraski, a Purple Heart recipient.
The ceremony was a solemn reminder of the more than 80,000 American service members who remain unaccounted for today. As Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III noted, the day is about remembering those who are missing, supporting their families, and ensuring future generations understand the true cost of liberty.
Harold Friedeman: A Story of Survival
Harold Friedeman, a graduate of Hackensack High School, was drafted into the Army at just 18 years old. After landing at Omaha Beach shortly after D-Day, he was captured by German troops during the Battle of Mortain in France.
As a prisoner of war, Friedeman was held at Stalag 7A, where he “endured harsh conditions but remained resilient,” according to the county’s Veterans Services division. He famously sabotaged farm equipment and bartered with guards. Friedeman was liberated in May 1945 near Munich. He was recently honored with a Bergen County Military Service Medal and now lives in New Milford, having just celebrated his 100th birthday.
Frank S. Demeraski: Posthumous Recognition
The county also paid tribute to Staff Sgt. Frank S. Demeraski, who served in the U.S. Army Infantry. He was captured by German forces in France in November 1944 and held at the infamous Stalag 17B prison camp. He was liberated in May 1945 and for his service and sacrifice, was awarded the Purple Heart.
Demeraski, who worked for 32 years as a custodian in the Hackensack school system, was honored with a Bergen County Military Service Medal. His son, Frank Demeraski, a retired Army veteran, accepted the award on his late father’s behalf.
“On this day, the County of Bergen honors the sacrifices of those still held as prisoners of war, those missing in action, and the loved ones waiting for answers,” Tedesco said. “As a nation, we cannot rest until every service member is accounted for and returned home.”
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