North Wildwood’s Henry J Turns 100!

It’s not every day that a local icon reaches the momentous milestone of turning 100 years old, but when it does happen, it truly feels magical. Meet Henri J. Bedard, affectionately known as Henri J., a man with a lifetime of experiences that stretch across a century.

Born on October 14, 1923, Henri J. Bedard’s journey began in the heart of a generation marked by pivotal global events. His early years led him to Washington D.C., where he ventured into a career with the federal government. However, the tide of history swept him into a different path as the United States entered World War II.

Henri J. Bedard found himself training diligently and was eventually drafted into the 83rd Infantry Division, renowned as “The Buckeye Division” due to its substantial Ohioan membership. This division played a vital role in both World War I and World War II.

Landing on the shores of Omaha Beach, the 83rd Infantry Division forged ahead into the heart of France. By the close of September, they had advanced into Luxembourg, a testament to their valor and determination. The division’s finest hour arrived during the Battle of the Bulge in late December 1944 when they played a crucial role in halting the German offensive.

Post-war, Bedard briefly returned to his government position before finding himself managing an auto repair shop in Philadelphia. In 1951, he made a life-changing move to North Wildwood, investing his savings in a gas station and repair shop that would eventually bear his name, “Henri J.,” located at 301 W Spruce Ave in North Wildwood.

Over the decades, Bedard became an integral part of the community, repairing countless cars and forging bonds with generations of Wildwood residents.

His exceptional service during World War II did not go unnoticed, as the French government bestowed upon him the title of “Chevalier” from the Legion of Honor, a knighthood equivalent, in recognition of his heroic efforts in the liberation of France.

Moreover, the city of North Wildwood honored him by designating November 17 as “Henri J. Bedard Day in North Wildwood.”