River Vale Veterans Memorial

Hello, fellow New Jerseyans! In our communities, there are special places dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have served our nation. One such profound and significant location is the River Vale Veterans Memorial, nestled in the heart of River Vale, New Jersey. This cherished memorial park stands as a testament to the sacrifices of our veterans, offering a serene and respectful space for reflection and remembrance. It's more than just a park; it's a living tribute to the courage and dedication of those who protected our freedoms.

The River Vale Veterans Memorial is known for its well-maintained grounds and its impactful exhibits, which provide a tangible connection to our nation's military history. While, as of April 2025, it is temporarily undergoing construction, signifying a commitment to its continued preservation and enhancement, its essence as a place of honor remains. This memorial serves as a vital community landmark, inviting locals to pause, reflect, and pay their respects to the heroes of River Vale.

The River Vale Veterans Memorial is located in River Vale, NJ 07675, USA. More specifically, it is situated at 406 Rivervale Road, which is notable for its direct adjacency to the River Vale Public Library. This central location within the township makes it a convenient and integral part of the community landscape.

Accessibility to the memorial is excellent. For those traveling by car, there is ample parking available, making visits hassle-free. Rivervale Road is a primary artery within River Vale, ensuring easy navigation for residents from all parts of the township and surrounding Bergen County communities. Its proximity to the public library means visitors can easily combine a visit to the memorial with a trip to the library, enhancing the overall experience.

While specific public transportation routes directly to the memorial might vary, River Vale is served by NJ Transit bus routes, providing some connectivity within Bergen County. For those relying on public transit, a combination of bus services might be necessary, potentially followed by a short walk, depending on the specific route and stop. The clear signage and prominent location next to the library make it easy to find for anyone navigating the area.

The River Vale Veterans Memorial is primarily a commemorative space, offering unique services centered around remembrance, education, and community gathering, rather than traditional recreational facilities. While it's currently undergoing restoration, its core offerings will return upon completion.

• Memorial and Remembrance: The primary service is providing a dedicated space to honor the veterans of River Vale, New Jersey, and all who have served. It serves as a focal point for remembrance, particularly on national holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

• Exhibits and Historical Significance: The memorial typically includes various exhibits. Most notably, it houses the stern plate of the USS Enterprise (CV-6), the most decorated naval ship of World War II. This unique artifact provides a tangible link to a significant piece of American military history, offering an educational experience.

• Reflection and Contemplation: The well-maintained and respectful environment of the memorial provides a quiet space for individuals to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans and to contemplate the meaning of service.

• Community Gathering Point: The memorial serves as a central location for official ceremonies and community events honoring veterans. Reviewers mention events like the Memorial Day Ceremony, highlighting its role as a gathering place for collective remembrance.

• Adjacent to Public Library: Its location next to the River Vale Public Library indirectly offers visitors access to library resources, which may include historical information or literature related to veterans and military history.

The River Vale Veterans Memorial stands out for several distinct features that make it a cherished and significant landmark in the community.

• USS Enterprise (CV-6) Stern Plate: This is arguably the most unique and compelling feature of the memorial. The stern plate belonged to "The Big E," the most decorated U.S. naval ship of World War II, having earned 20 battle stars. It was salvaged during the ship's dismantlement and donated to River Vale, making it a rare and historically significant artifact. Note: As of April 2025, this exhibit is temporarily removed for construction but is expected to return.

• Well-Maintained Grounds: Reviewers consistently note that the memorial is "very well maintained." This dedication to upkeep ensures a respectful and aesthetically pleasing environment for visitors.

• Central Location in River Vale: Its position "adjacent to the River Vale public library" makes it highly accessible and a central point of civic life in the township. This integration allows for easy visits and participation in ceremonies.

• Dedicated to All Veterans: While featuring specific exhibits, the memorial serves as a general tribute to all veterans from River Vale, ensuring that the sacrifices of various conflicts and branches of service are recognized.

• Ongoing Restoration Project: The fact that the memorial is "undergoing restoration" (as of March/April 2025) highlights the community's commitment to preserving and enhancing this important site for future generations. This indicates proactive care and investment.

• Symbol of Community Pride: The memorial is a source of pride for the residents of River Vale, serving as a tangible symbol of their respect and gratitude for military service.

As a public veterans memorial, the River Vale Veterans Memorial does not offer commercial promotions or special offers. Its value is inherent in its purpose as a tribute and a place of remembrance, which is freely accessible to the public. There are no entrance fees or commercial services.

However, the Township of River Vale, often in conjunction with local veterans' organizations or the River Vale Public Library, will frequently host free public ceremonies and events at the memorial, particularly on significant military holidays. These events serve as community gatherings and opportunities for collective remembrance and are promoted through official township channels. Examples include:

• Annual Memorial Day Ceremony: A key annual event where the community gathers to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

• Veterans Day Observances: Commemorations to honor all veterans on Veterans Day.

• Historical Presentations: The River Vale Public Library, being adjacent, may sometimes host related historical presentations or exhibits that complement the memorial, often free to the public.

To learn about upcoming ceremonies or public events at the memorial, residents should consult the official website of the Township of River Vale, local community calendars, or the River Vale Public Library's event schedule.

For general inquiries regarding the River Vale Veterans Memorial, including information on its current restoration status, future exhibits, or scheduled ceremonies, the primary point of contact would be the Township of River Vale's administration or its relevant department.

Address: River Vale, NJ 07675, USA (Main postal address for the area where the memorial is located)

The specific address for the memorial itself is often cited as 406 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675, adjacent to the library.

For official contact, it's best to reach out to the Township of River Vale directly:

Township of River Vale

Address: 406 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675 (This is also the library address, which is next to the memorial)

Phone: (201) 664-2346 (General Township phone number, for municipal inquiries. Specific departments like Public Works or Administration would handle park/memorial inquiries).

The River Vale Public Library (adjacent to the memorial) may also be a source for some information, especially regarding the USS Enterprise collection:

River Vale Public Library

Address: 412 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675

Phone: (201) 391-2323

Always check the official website of the Township of River Vale for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the memorial's status, events, and contact details.

The River Vale Veterans Memorial is profoundly suitable for locals in New Jersey, particularly those in River Vale and surrounding Bergen County communities, because it serves as a vital focal point for remembrance, education, and community cohesion. It's more than just a physical space; it’s a repository of history and a testament to shared values.

For residents, the memorial offers an essential opportunity to connect with the sacrifices made by veterans, providing a solemn yet accessible place for reflection. The presence of significant artifacts like the USS Enterprise stern plate imbues the site with a unique historical weight, turning a simple visit into an educational experience. Children can learn about the bravery of past generations, fostering patriotism and an understanding of our nation's defense.

Furthermore, the memorial acts as a central gathering point for the community. Annual ceremonies, such as Memorial Day events, bring people together to collectively honor and remember. This shared experience strengthens community bonds and ensures that the legacy of service is passed down through generations. Its location adjacent to the public library further enhances its value, allowing for a seamless integration of civic pride and educational pursuits.

Even with the current temporary closure for restoration, the ongoing investment in the memorial demonstrates the township's commitment to preserving this sacred site. This ensures that the River Vale Veterans Memorial will continue to stand as a beautifully maintained, poignant, and significant tribute for many years to come, making it an indispensable part of our New Jersey community.

River Vale Veterans Memorial

River Vale, NJ 07675, USA