Dedication of the Norwood Roll of Honor-This Day In Norwood History-May 12, 1943

The Roll of Honor in Norwood, Massachusetts is more than just a list of names; it is a sacred record of the town’s commitment to freedom and a testament to the generations of residents who stepped forward in times of national crisis. Maintained and chronicled by the Norwood Historical Society, this digital and physical archive serves as a permanent memorial to the men and women of Norwood who served in the United States Armed Forces.

From the earliest colonial skirmishes to the modern global conflicts of the 21st century, the Roll of Honor provides a poignant look at the human cost of liberty through the lens of a single New England community.

A Legacy Spanning Centuries

The Norwood Roll of Honor is organized chronologically, tracing the town’s military contributions back to its earliest days as part of Dedham (before Norwood was officially incorporated in 1872).

• The Colonial Wars and the Revolution: The list begins with names like Captain William Bacon and Reverend Thomas Balch from the Colonial era. It extends through the American Revolution, featuring names like Major Aaron Guild—a prominent local figure who, according to legend, dropped his plow in the fields to join the fight after hearing of the British advance on Lexington and Concord.
• The Civil War: The Roll records dozens of men from the town who fought to preserve the Union. Notable mentions include those interred at the Old Parish Cemetery and Highland Cemetery, such as H.M. Park, who was killed in action, and the various members of the Ellis and Phipps families who served side-by-side.
• The World Wars: The scale of service exploded during the 20th century. The World War I section contains hundreds of names, reflecting the massive mobilization of the town. World War II remains the largest section of the Roll, a sobering reminder of how the “Greatest Generation” from Norwood neighborhoods—like South Norwood and the “Flats”—answered the call.

The Old Parish and Highland Cemeteries

The Roll of Honor is deeply tied to the town’s physical geography, specifically its historic burial grounds. The Historical Society meticulously tracks veterans buried in:

• Old Parish Cemetery: The resting place for veterans of the Colonial Wars, the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812.
• Highland Cemetery: Home to the “Civil War Lot” and markers surrounding the iconic cannon, honoring those who served in the 1860s and subsequent conflicts like the Spanish-American War.

A Living Document

The Roll of Honor is not a static relic of the past. The Norwood Historical Society continues to update its records, ensuring that veterans of the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism are properly recognized.

During the May 9, 1943, parade, where a massive crowd gathered to witness the unveiling of a physical Honor Roll during the height of World War II.

Why It Matters

For many Norwood residents, the Roll of Honor is a way to find ancestors and connect personal family stories to the broader sweep of American history. It reminds the community that behind every name—be it a “Coughlin,” a “Donovan,” or a “Mazzotta”—was a local citizen who left their home, their job at the local tanneries or printing presses, and their family to serve a higher cause.

By maintaining this Roll, the Norwood Historical Society ensures that the “Wonderful Women” and the brave men of the town are never forgotten. As the town moves toward the future, the Roll of Honor stands as a bridge to its past, reminding every passerby at Day Street or Highland Cemetery of the price paid for their present peace.

Roll of Honor

Text and images may have been created, edited, colorized, or digitally restored using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini. All content is reviewed for accuracy and historical integrity before publication by the Norwood Historical Society