25,000 Persons Attend Ceremonies On Mother’s Day
A Town Unites to Honor Its Servicemen on Mother’s Day
Norwood witnessed one of the most extraordinary public demonstrations in its history last Sunday—one of the biggest parades the town has ever seen, one of the largest crowds ever assembled, and one of the most flawlessly executed civic ceremonies ever carried out. All of it was done in tribute to Norwood’s servicemen on a deeply meaningful day: Mother’s Day.
An estimated 25,000 people filled the town square and surrounding streets for the Honor Roll dedication exercises, transforming the center of Norwood into a sea of spectators, families, veterans, and civic leaders. The scale of the event reflected not only the town’s pride in its servicemen but also its profound respect for the families who stood behind them.
A Parade of 82 Units — A Spectacle of Patriotism
The parade itself was a massive undertaking, featuring 82 marching units and representing nearly every facet of the wartime home front. Among the participants were:
- A Coast Guard band
- Coast Guardsmen, SPARS, and WAACs
- Fourteen musical units, including several outstanding out‑of‑town bands
- Civilian Defense workers
- Red Cross units
- Veterans organizations
- The State Guard
- Numerous youth organizations
The parade stepped off one minute ahead of schedule, a testament to the meticulous planning behind the event. Spectators lining the route witnessed a stirring display of military precision, civic pride, and community solidarity.
A Ceremony Marked by Dignity and Devotion
The dedication program that followed was equally impressive. The town square—packed shoulder to shoulder—fell into reverent silence as the Rt. Rev. Monsignor Joseph F. Walsh delivered the invocation. Harry B. Buttera, speaking on behalf of the town, offered a heartfelt tribute to the mothers of Norwood’s servicemen, with special recognition for the Gold Star mothers and the Gold Star sister whose loved ones had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Governor Leverett Saltonstall attended the ceremony, bringing with him the 1,000,000th soldier to enter Boston’s Buddies Club—a serviceman newly returned from Guadalcanal. The Governor urged the crowd to continue supporting the war effort with diligence and unity, emphasizing the importance of backing the fighting men overseas with steadfast work at home.
During the moment of silent meditation for those who had lost their lives, the vast crowd in the town square became completely still, heads bowed in unison. It was a moment of profound collective reflection.
Unveiling the Honor Roll
The Honor Roll was unveiled by Mrs. Louise King, sister of Rudolph Ballough, Norwood’s first casualty of the war and a member of the famed “They Were Expendable” MTB squadron. Just the day before, Mrs. King had launched a submarine chaser at the Quincy Adams Yacht Yard in honor of her brother, whose boat is believed to have been lost during an attack on a Japanese vessel.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction by the Rev. Marinus James of the First Baptist Church.
Plaques Distributed to 1,400 Families
Following the formal program, plaques were distributed to the families of 1,400 servicemen seated on the town green. Despite the enormous number, the distribution was completed in just half an hour, another sign of the careful planning that defined the entire event.
A Day Norwood Will Long Remember
From the massive parade to the solemn dedication, from the presence of the Governor to the quiet dignity of the families gathered on the green, the day stood as one of the most memorable in Norwood’s wartime history. It was a powerful expression of gratitude, unity, and community spirit—an enduring tribute to the men serving abroad and the families supporting them at home.
You can view the Roll of Honor here: https://norwoodhistoricalsociety.org/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
More Norwood Veteran Stories
-
Roll of Honor
OLD PARISH CEMETERY Colonial Wars Capt. William Bacon Rev. Thomas Balch William Ellis Revolutionary War William Comey Benjamin Dean Jonathan Dean William Dean Oliver Ellis Capt. Abel Everett Asa EverettCapt. … Continue reading Roll of Honor
-
Honoring Norwood’s Veterans
Norwood has a long history of proud military service, going back as far as the Colonial Wars, and the town and townspeople have done an excellent job of paying tribute … Continue reading Honoring Norwood’s Veterans
-
Norwood Rotary Club Honors Veterans Agent Ted Mulvehill-This Day In Norwood History-March 19, 2013
In recognition of his dedicated service to the community, the Norwood Rotary Club honored Veterans Agent Ted Mulvehill with the prestigious Service Above Self Award, the club’s highest accolade. This … Continue reading Norwood Rotary Club Honors Veterans Agent Ted Mulvehill-This Day In Norwood History-March 19, 2013
-
Ray Martin; Norwood Star Pitched to Babe Ruth, Played for Boston Braves-This Day In Norwood History-March 15, 2013
In 1943, Norwood High School senior Ray Martin pitched his team to the state baseball championship and signed a professional contract with the Boston Braves, with whom he made his … Continue reading Ray Martin; Norwood Star Pitched to Babe Ruth, Played for Boston Braves-This Day In Norwood History-March 15, 2013
-
Norwood’s Charles King Jr. Shares His Marine Journey-This Day In Norwood History-March 26, 2011
Fifty-four hours, three MREs, four hours of sleep (if you’re lucky), 55 miles to hike, obstacles to overcome and teamwork to pull one through. This, Charles King Jr. said, is … Continue reading Norwood’s Charles King Jr. Shares His Marine Journey-This Day In Norwood History-March 26, 2011
-
WWII Ace George T. Lee Flies Again-This Day In Norwood History-April 3, 2005
Smoke spewing from his fighter plane, the Nazi pilot is desperate to escape the American on his tail. Up, and then down. A hard bank left, a rash dive to … Continue reading WWII Ace George T. Lee Flies Again-This Day In Norwood History-April 3, 2005
-
Veterans Monument Dedicated-This Day in Norwood History- September 15, 1991
The Norwood Veterans Monument Committee is holding a dedication ceremony for the monument today at noon. The theme of the 20-foot high “Protectors of the American Way” monument depicts our … Continue reading Veterans Monument Dedicated-This Day in Norwood History- September 15, 1991
-
Nahatan St Bridge Dedicated to George T Lee-This Day in Norwood History-September 27, 1988
Thousands of motorists who drive over the Nahatan Street bridge will now be paying honor to Norwood’s most decorated war hero. The bridge was dedicated Sunday with a bronze plaque … Continue reading Nahatan St Bridge Dedicated to George T Lee-This Day in Norwood History-September 27, 1988
-
Veteran’s Memorial Dedication-This Day In Norwood History-September 25, 1988
Dedication of the intersection of Shattuck Park and Nichols Street took place on September 25, 1988, in honor of: Adam Scott – World War II 1920 to 1944 Lloyd Batten … Continue reading Veteran’s Memorial Dedication-This Day In Norwood History-September 25, 1988
-
Charlton Heston Calls USMC Wife-This Day In Norwood History-January 23, 1984
Husband in Beirut Wife gets Heston’s call After dinner on Monday, Sharon Curtis was expecting a call from her Sister-in-law. But when the phone rang, the voice on the other … Continue reading Charlton Heston Calls USMC Wife-This Day In Norwood History-January 23, 1984
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.