The Norwood Peace Coalition requested permission to march in the town’s Memorial Day parade carrying signs that listed civilian deaths in all U.S. wars.
The parade committee, led by parade marshal Edward Deasy (a Disabled American Veterans commander), denied the request.
Reasons for the Denial
- Deasy said the parade is a “solemn” Memorial Day observance meant to honor war dead.
- He stated they had no objection to the group marching, but did not want signs or cards carried.
- He argued that allowing signs would attract “every nut from here to Boston,” and that the parade was “not the place” for such displays.
- Veterans groups planned no speeches or gun salutes that year, emphasizing a quiet, respectful tone.
Peace Coalition’s Position
Coalition members Louis Shannon and Robert Corliss visited the town manager’s office with a petition signed by about 50 residents, including six local clergy, supporting their participation.
Their signs would have highlighted:
- Civilian casualties in all wars
- The escalation of the Vietnam War
- Rising violence within the U.S.
Shannon said:
- They wished to honor the dead in a meaningful way.
- They felt a moral obligation to express concerns about war.
- They might still march, but without signs, participation was “meaningless.”
The town manager referred the issue to the parade committee, which upheld the denial.
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
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