You’ve probably driven past it. If you’re heading down River Road toward the GW Bridge or grabbing a bite at one of the nearby spots, the American Legion Post 116 in Edgewater might just look like another quiet building tucked away on Old River Road. But honestly, it’s a lot more than just a place where veterans go to grab a beer and talk about the old days.
It’s an anchor.
In a town like Edgewater—which has transformed from an industrial powerhouse to a stretch of luxury condos and high-end retail—the American Legion Post 116 represents one of the few remaining ties to the borough’s gritty, community-focused roots. This isn’t just a social club. It’s a support system, a historical landmark, and a local resource that many residents don't realize they can actually engage with.
What is American Legion Post 116?
The American Legion Post 116 is the local chapter of the national American Legion, which is the largest wartime veterans service organization in the United States. Founded in 1919, the Legion was built on four pillars: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth.
In Edgewater, Post 116 lives these values out in a very local way.
Most people think you have to be a veteran to even step foot inside. That’s a common misconception. While the core membership is made up of those who served in the armed forces during wartime, the Post also includes the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) and the American Legion Auxiliary. These groups allow family members of veterans to get involved, ensuring the organization stays multigenerational.
Why does this matter? Because without the younger generations joining the SAL or the Auxiliary, these posts eventually close. We've seen it happen across New Jersey. But Post 116 has managed to hold its ground.
The Role of Post 116 in the Edgewater Community
Edgewater is a weird place, geographically speaking. It’s a long, thin strip of land trapped between the Hudson River and the Palisades. Because of that, community spaces are hard to come by. You have the malls, and you have the parks, but you don't have many "third places" where people just gather.
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The American Legion in Edgewater fills that gap.
Community Events and Hall Rentals
One of the most practical ways locals interact with the Post is through their hall rentals. If you’re looking to host a birthday party, a repast, or a small fundraiser without paying "Gold Coast" prices, the Legion hall is one of the last affordable options in the 07020 zip code. It’s spacious, it has that classic "Jersey" vibe, and the money goes back into supporting veteran programs.
Honoring the Fallen
Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day, it’s the members of Post 116 who make sure the ceremonies at the Veterans Field monuments actually happen. They’re the ones coordinating the color guards, the rifle salutes, and the wreath-laying. It's easy to take those ceremonies for granted until you realize that without these specific individuals, the town's history would just... fade.
Supporting the Veterans Next Door
We often talk about "supporting the troops," but what does that look like when they come home to a high-cost area like Bergen County?
Post 116 provides a space where veterans can navigate the often-nightmarish bureaucracy of the VA. Service officers within the Legion are trained to help vets understand their benefits, file claims for disability, or find healthcare resources. For a vet living in Edgewater or nearby Cliffside Park, having a local spot to ask these questions—instead of trekking to a regional office—is huge.
It’s also about mental health.
Isolation is a major issue for older veterans. The Post offers a social outlet where the "shorthand" of military life is understood. You don’t have to explain your service to the person sitting next to you; they already get it. That kind of unspoken camaraderie is a legitimate lifeline.
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The Struggle of Staying Relevant in a Changing Town
Let's be real for a second.
Edgewater is not the same town it was thirty years ago. The demographic shift has been massive. Many new residents are commuters who work in Manhattan and might not even know what the American Legion does.
The challenge for Post 116 is bridging that gap. They’ve had to adapt. They aren't just a "smoke-filled room" anymore. They’ve had to become more transparent, more active on social media (sorta), and more welcoming to the broader public.
They also face the same rising costs as everyone else. Property taxes, utilities, and maintenance on an older building in a prime location aren't cheap. When you support their Friday night dinners or attend one of their fundraisers, you’re literally helping keep the lights on for a piece of Edgewater history.
How You Can Get Involved (Even If You Didn’t Serve)
If you live in Edgewater and want to support the American Legion, you have a few ways to do it. You don't need a uniform.
- Join the SAL or Auxiliary: If your parent or grandparent was a veteran, you’re likely eligible. This is the best way to ensure the Post survives for another fifty years.
- Donations: They often collect for specific causes—whether it’s sending care packages to active-duty troops or supporting the local food pantry.
- Use the Hall: Next time you’re planning an event, check their availability. It’s a win-win. You get a venue, and they get the revenue needed to fund veteran outreach.
- Attend the Ceremonies: Show up at the monuments on River Road during the holidays. It sounds simple, but seeing a crowd makes a massive difference to the veterans standing out there in the cold.
The Future of Post 116
The American Legion in Edgewater is currently navigating the post-pandemic world like everyone else. They’ve had to rethink how they gather and how they raise money. But the core mission hasn't budged.
As Edgewater continues to develop and the skyline keeps changing, the Post stands as a reminder that community isn't just about new storefronts and luxury condos. It's about the people who built the town and the people who defended the country.
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If you’ve lived in town for years and never stepped inside, maybe it’s time to change that. Whether it's for a fundraiser, a meeting, or just to say thank you, Post 116 is a part of the fabric of Edgewater that deserves a second look.
Practical Steps for Residents
If you're looking to connect with the Post or need their services, here is the best way to move forward.
First, verify your eligibility if you're looking to join. For the main Legion membership, you need to have served at least one day of active military duty since December 7, 1941, and been honorably discharged. For the Sons of the American Legion, you just need to be a male descendant of a veteran.
Second, if you're a veteran in need of assistance with VA claims, don't wait. Reach out to the Post and ask to speak with a Service Officer. They can provide localized guidance that you won't find on a generic government website.
Third, keep an eye on local community boards. The Post doesn't always have the loudest marketing, so their events—like beefsteak dinners or holiday parties—are often spread through word-of-mouth or small flyers around town.
Supporting the American Legion Post 116 isn't just a "nice thing to do." It's an investment in the social safety net of Edgewater. It ensures that when a local veteran falls on hard times, or when a holiday needs a proper tribute, there is an organization ready to step up.
Stop by the building at 1165 Old River Rd. Check out the plaques. Talk to the members. You might find that it’s the most authentic place left in town.
Next Steps for Support:
To directly assist or inquire about hall rentals, visit the Post during their active hours—usually evenings or weekends. If you are a veteran new to the area, bring a copy of your DD-214 to discuss membership and benefits. For those looking to donate, check if there are ongoing collections for the "Gifts to the Yanks Who Gave" program, which provides comfort items to hospitalized veterans.