HISTORY

Redondo History Legion Post 184 Plunge Boardwalk Pier

A Century of Service: The History of American Legion Post 184 in Redondo Beach

 
Between 1900 and 1920, Redondo Beach transformed from a burgeoning seaside town into a premier Southern California resort destination, driven largely by the influence of railroad magnate Henry Huntington and his Pacific Electric Railway. This era saw explosive growth in population and tourism, the construction of iconic attractions, and the beginnings of a shift away from commercial shipping toward a leisure-based economy before new challenges emerged at the end of the period. The years immediately following the war were marked by significant change. The global influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 tragically claimed the life of local icon and surfing pioneer George Freeth. The dawn of Prohibition in 1920 signaled the end of an era, contributing to the eventual closure of the grand Hotel Redondo and altering the city’s social fabric.  Against this backdrop, the idea of an American Legion Post in The South Bay was born.
 
Summary:
Chartered in 1920, just a year after the national organization’s founding, American Legion South Bay Post 184 has been a cornerstone of the Redondo Beach community for over a century. From building its own hall in the 1920s to spearheading the creation of the city’s Veterans Memorial, the Post has consistently provided support for veterans and fostered civic engagement throughout the South Bay.
  • Founding and Establishment: Post 184 was chartered in 1920 and, through the efforts of its members, built its permanent home at 412 Camino Real in Redondo Beach, California.  The building effort was completed  in 1927, and the original  building remains and continues to act as its base of operations today.
  • A Legacy of Remembrance: The Post initiated the city’s first veterans memorials, beginning with a grove of trees in 1928 and a formal monument in 1932, which evolved into the modern Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial in Veterans Park on the ocrner of Torrance Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway.
  • Key Figures and Leadership: The Post’s history has been shaped by dedicated members, including past commanders like William Bostick and Craig L. Edman, and community leaders like Ernie O’Dell, who was instrumental in the creation of the current Veterans Memorial.
  • Deep Community Involvement: Beyond veteran support, Post 184 is deeply integrated into the community through youth programs like Boys and Girls State, support for local school programs, public holiday events, and extensive fundraising efforts.
The Early Years: Foundation and a Permanent Home (1920s-1930s)
American Legion Post 184 was established in 1920, born from the camaraderie of World War I veterans and chartered by Congress just one year after the national American Legion was founded. This era in Redondo Beach was one of growth, with the city annexing new territory and developing its coastline as a popular leisure destination.
 
In 1927, the members of Post 184 took it upon themselves to build their own hall, establishing a permanent home at 412 Camino Real. This building quickly became more than just a meeting place; it evolved into a hub for veterans and a venue for countless community events, from weddings to birthday parties. The following year, in 1928, the Post launched its own newsletter, “The Buck Private,” to keep its members connected and informed.
The Post’s commitment to honoring fallen service members began early. In 1928, members planted a grove of trees as a living memorial to World War I veterans. This was followed in September 1932 by the installation of a formal plaque and monument at a small park near the intersection of Torrance and Sepulveda boulevards. This monument was the first of its kind in the city and laid the groundwork for a much larger memorial legacy.
 
A Growing Presence in the Community (1940s-1960s)
Following World War II, Post 184 expanded its role, welcoming a new generation of veterans and deepening its commitment to remembrance. On Armistice Day in 1948, a poignant moment was captured showing South Bay veterans, including past Post Commander William Bostick and former Marine Larry Wiley, paying silent tribute at the clubhouse to their fallen comrades from the war. 
The Post’s memorial efforts continued to shape the city’s landscape. The original 1932 monument was eventually moved to City Park, a new public space dedicated in 1930 on the former grounds of the famed Hotel Redondo. On Memorial Day in 1949, this memorial was enhanced when 90 trees were planted in the park to honor the city’s war dead from all conflicts.
A landmark event occurred on Veterans Day in 1968, when, after years of association with the Post’s memorial activities, City Park was officially renamed Veterans Park at a ceremony attended by over 300 people. This renaming cemented the area as a sacred space for honoring military service in Redondo Beach. The Post remained an active center for veterans of World War II and the Korean War, providing a vital network of support and camaraderie.
 
Service and Remembrance Through Changing Times (1970s-1990s)
The Post continued to evolve, welcoming Vietnam War veterans into its ranks. These members brought new perspectives and energy, ensuring the Legion remained relevant to a younger generation of service members. One such key figure was Craig L. Edman, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a longtime Torrance resident. An active member of Post 184, he served as Post Commander from 1997 to 1999, leading the organization into the end of the century.
The 1990s also saw the beginning of a major civic project with deep ties to the Post. Around 1995, Redondo Beach City Treasurer Ernie O’Dell began advocating for a significant upgrade to the city’s veterans memorial. O’Dell envisioned a grander, more accessible monument at the heart of Veterans Park. His persistent efforts led to the formation of the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial Task Force, a group of veterans and citizens dedicated to making this vision a reality.
 
A New Century and a Lasting Legacy: The Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial (2000s-Present)
The vision for a new memorial became a significant focus for the community in the 2000s. Led by Ernie O’Dell and the Task Force, which included veterans like John Simpson and Tom Lasser, a design was finalized, and a major fundraising campaign was launched. American Legion Post 184 played a significant role in funding the project, continuing its long tradition of supporting veteran-focused civic works.
After years of tireless effort and community fundraising, the official groundbreaking for the new memorial took place on Veterans Day in 2010. The impressive structure was completed and formally dedicated on Memorial Day in 2011 before a crowd of more than 400 people.
Today, the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial stands as a profound tribute to all who have served. It serves as the official site for the city’s annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, a tradition that brings together veterans, families, and the wider community in a shared act of remembrance.
 
More Than a Post: A Hub of Community Involvement
American Legion Post 184’s mission extends far beyond its walls. With a combined membership of over 600 across the American Legion, the Woman’s Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion (SALs), the Post is a dynamic force for good in the South Bay.
The Post’s ongoing community involvement includes:
  • Youth Programs: Sponsoring students for the Boys and Girls State programs, supporting local Scouting units, assisting the ROTC program at Redondo Union High School, and providing academic scholarships to high school students.
  • Community Events: Hosting annual public celebrations for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. The Post also holds popular events like an annual chili cook-off and the SAL’s “Rock N’ Ribfest” fundraiser.
  • Veteran and Family Support: Providing a robust support network for veterans and their families, offering resources, advocacy, and a welcoming social environment with a canteen and outdoor Tiki bar.
  • A Community Asset: The historic hall at 412 Camino Real remains available for public rental, continuing its legacy as a cherished venue for local celebrations and gatherings.  Many weddings and other community events have taken place in the years since the Post 1st opened its doors.
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