Honor Roll Dedication Ceremony Outstanding Event in Norwood History-Dedication of the Norwood Roll of Honor, May 14, 1943

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/

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