Selectmen Favor Gala Celebration
The Board of Selectmen is in favor of making Norwood’s Welcome Home Day to its war veterans a gala affair and will urge the appropriation of a suitable sum of money to carry out plans for that day tentatively set as August 16, V-J Day.
Members of the Board stated Tuesday night that they are well aware that in certain towns similar plans to celebrate the homecoming of the veterans have been voted on adversely by the citizens and that even the veterans themselves have in many instances suggested that the money thus expended might be used for different purposes which would be far more beneficial to the town.
A member of a local servicemen’s organization sitting in with the Board Tuesday night, stated that it was somewhat difficult to determine how the veterans felt on the matter. For the most part, he said, they had so far expressed little comment on the matter.
He felt that a celebration of some sort was necessary and should be held.
It was stated that Army and Navy officials had recently estimated that by July 4th, 75 percent of the men who had gone to the war from Norwood would be home. The idea of a joint celebration of July 4th, Independence Day, and Welcome Home Day was suggested, but met with little approval ‘
Selectman Charles F. Holman was in favor of a full 24-hour celebration starting at midnight with a bonfire and continuing through the entire, next day with a parade, open house at veterans’ headquarters, and a continuous round of entertainment and rejoicing.
“It should be one of Norwooa’s greatest days — a day to be remembered for all time,” he said.
It was originally suggested some months ago that a “suitable appropriation” for Norwood’s welcome to its homecoming servicemen should be in the neighborhood of $10,000.
There was no intimation Tuesday night that this sum might be minimized.
Selectman Clement A. Riley said it was the duty of the town to start plans immediately for this celebration.
“I have no patience with individuals who say, ‘I have talked with servicemen and they do not want any fuss made over their return,’ ” he asserted. “Of course they say that. Modesty would not permit them to campaign for their own celebration. But I feel that they would appreciate it just the same. At any rate,” he concluded, “we would appreciate doing it for them. Everyone in town wants something done for these boys and girls of ours in the way of a welcome home ceremony. Let’s go ahead with it.”
It would appear that the Board is in full accord on the date and proposed plans.
Veterans At C.C. Meeting Oppose Plan
If the sentiment expressed at the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Tuesday night is any criterion, the article asking for an appropriation of some $10,000 for a contemplated homecoming celebration on August 16th for the men and women from Norwood who served in World War II will- be lacking of support on the floor of town meeting on April 25th.
When the matter came up for discussion Tuesday night, not one voice was recorded in favor of the plan, and opinions came mostly from returned veterans themselves.
One veteran urged that the money be put into a living memorial such as a civic center with swimming pool and other recreational features rather than a “one । night jamboree “
Another asserted that five veterans with whom he works are unanimously opposed to any parade or banquet One of the boys, he said, suggested a $10 or $15 bonus instead. He said another wanted only a good job and a good home without any fanfare, and he had suggested that the town set up a job and- placement bureau to aid veterans. Another veteran, he said, felt that celebration would only “give the politicians a chance to get up and say a few words.”
A third veteran now working at the post office said at the meeting, that veterans repeatedly ask him where they can take a Civil Service examination. He suggested that a room be set aside at the Civic where a full-time advisor would be on hand to help veterans in these matters.
It was also brought out that many of the boys are not home yet and won’t be home by August 16th . . . and what about them? One veteran present Tuesday night thought a suitable celebration might be arranged for some Memorial Day instead.
The Finance Commission insisted that they knew of no plans, that they had received only a request for funds.
Moderator Charles Britton suggested that the veterans get together with the Selectmen for an exchange of views on the matter.
AGENCIES FUNCTIONING
Before the discussion was closed, it was pointed out to the veterans present by members of the Chamber that agencies are functioning in town to look after placement and training, and the general welfare of the veteran. Lincoln D., Lynch asserted that the Veterans Rehabilitation Committee maintains an office in the Municipal Building where expert advice is available from Mr. Thomas Rorke.
President Harry Korslund further emphasized that the United States Employment Service office at 524 Washington Street is “doing a grand job” for the veterans, both in job placement and on-the-job training, and urged that the veterans take advantage of this service.