“The Service Goes On”: Norwood Honors Veterans Day 1982 with Downtown Parade and Inspiring Memorial Speeches-November 12, 1982

Several Hundred Brave 47-Degree Sunshine as Mustang Marching Band, Veterans, and 87-Year-Old WWI Veteran J. Addison MacLean Traverse Washington Street

NORWOOD — Bundled against a cool 47-degree November chill, several hundred spectators lined the sunlit sidewalks of central Washington Street to witness Norwood’s annual Veterans Day parade. While turnout along the broader 1.3-mile route originating in South Norwood was spotty, the crowds gathered deep in the central business district to honor the nation’s service members.

The procession stepped off following a traditional stop in front of Norwood Hospital to play musical selections for patients. Leading the line of march behind the police honor guard and Police Chief George J. DiBlasi were town selectmen, followed by delegations from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the Marine Corps League with their respective auxiliaries. Notably absent from the 1982 lineup was a National Guard contingent, which had recently relocated out of Norwood’s former state armory.

Providing a snappy military tempo, the Norwood High School Mustangs Marching Band galvanized the crowd, joined by the fifes and drums of the Colonial Boys and Tiot Juniors, alongside local Scouts and Brownies. While World War II-era veterans largely filled the marching ranks, special attention was given to 87-year-old World War I Infantry Corporal J. Addison MacLean, who rode the route in an automobile. MacLean, who was en route to the front lines in France when the 1918 Armistice was signed, was recognized alongside James Readel as the two oldest active members of the local American Legion post (Readel was unable to attend due to illness).

Post-Parade Ceremony: Edgar G. Foster Emphasizes Veterans’ Everyday Contributions

Following the march, the observance shifted to the town square park for commemorative ceremonies led by local post Chaplain John Hughes, who delivered the invocation. Local American Legion Post 70 Commander Ralph C. Hale—serving as parade marshal—marked the 64th anniversary of the armistice ending World War I, dedicating special tribute to veterans receiving care at Veterans Administration hospitals.

The keynote address was delivered by American Legion official Edgar G. Foster, past state vice commander, Norfolk County district commander, and member of Stoughton Post 89. In a departure from traditional holiday speeches, Foster focused on the enduring civic impact of veterans in daily civilian life:

• “The Service Goes On”: Foster noted that while America faced the challenge of war four times during the 20th century, a veteran’s dedication does not end with a uniform.
• Everyday Leadership: Describing veterans across all socioeconomic strata and within the halls of Congress, Foster remarked, “They’re wealthy, middle class and poor, but they’re always there, working…. Veterans probably will continue to be unsung heroes but will never stop contributing.”

Veterans Services Director George Thomas praised the turnout as “one of the finest showings we’ve had in a few years.” However, reflecting the high standards of local service members, a former Marine and Norwood police officer returning to the post-parade buffet at the Legion hall offered a candid critique: “Every veteran in town should march.”

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