Norwood Pays Tribute with Postponed Veterans Day Parade in Unseasonably Warm Weather-November 13, 1984

Approximately 1,000 Residents Line Washington Street as State Champion Mustang Marching Band Honors Veterans Following Calendar Confusion

NORWOOD — Embracing unseasonably warm weather, approximately 1,000 residents—including a strong contingent of local veterans—lined Washington Street to watch Norwood’s annual Veterans Day parade. Organized by the American Legion, the procession had originally been scheduled for Sunday but was postponed after local church leaders raised objections with town officials.

Because many townspeople remained unaware of the schedule change, Sunday morning saw disappointed crowds unwittingly gathering along the route, resulting in a lower-than-expected turnout for the rescheduled Monday event. Despite the initial confusion, the march drew veterans from World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War, prompting one long-time resident to remark after the procession, “There was quite a few vets — more than usual.”

Procession Route, Musical Tributes, and Balch School to Town Common March

The parade stepped off from the Balch School in South Norwood and wound its way northward toward the Town Common in the center of town. Young spectator Dawn Borroni, age 22, enjoyed a prime viewing vantage point perched on the shoulders of her father, Peter Borroni of Norwood.

Musical accompaniment was provided by two prominent marching units:

• Norwood High School Mustang Marching Band: The state champion band performed crisply along the route and paused briefly in front of Norwood Hospital on Washington Street to play musical selections for patients.
• Colonial Boys: Provided additional fifes and drums accompaniment for the marching units.

The observance culminated at the Town Common, where the participating bands performed a moving rendition of “Taps” to honor the men and women who lost their lives in service to their country.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger