Town Honors Hero War Dead-This Day in Norwood History-June 1, 1945

Memorial Day Is Observed With Traditional Exercises

NORWOOD — Solemnly reaffirming this town’s grateful remembrance of the hero dead of this and past wars, Norwood paused Wednesday morning in reverent tribute as veterans’ units, Gold Star Mothers and Fathers, church and fraternal organizations, town officials, youth groups, and long lines of drum and bugle corps marched with muffled drums to the community’s bivouac of the dead.

Following long‑established custom, the parade formed at the entrance of the Old Cemetery at Washington and Howard Streets, where rest Norwood’s soldiers of 1776 and 1812—men who offered their lives when America was young, long before Memorial Day was set aside as a national day of remembrance.

Flaherty Serves as Chief Marshal

To John Flaherty, Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2452, fell the honor of serving as chief marshal. His chief aide was Harry J. Hochheim, Commander of American Legion Post No. 470.

Hundreds Line the Route

Hundreds of spectators lined Washington Street, Winter Street, and the approach to Highland Cemetery as the marchers moved briskly along to martial music by the Weymouth Legion Band, joined at intervals by the drum corps of St. Catherine’s Church and Norwood High School.

A chill wind and light rain did not deter the crowd. Many stood with bowed heads as the column passed the intersection of Washington and Winter Streets.

State Guard Leads Rifle Salute

The 11th Company, State Guard, led by Lieut. Gilbert Weldman and Sgt. Frank Farrier, provided the firing squad for the rifle salute. Only a platoon marched this year; with America still at war, many members of Norwood’s home‑front military unit were at work in local factories producing the tools of victory.

Nearly 20 Gold Star Mothers Present

Nearly 20 Gold Star Mothers, who had expressed a desire to visit the cemetery, rode in closed cars near the end of the procession. As the cars passed, a deep silence fell. Though no flags marked the vehicles, hats came off, and tears were visible among the women in the crowd—mothers who understood the grief of those whose sons had gone to war and would not return.

Decoration of Graves

Upon reaching Highland Cemetery, the various units dispersed to assigned sections, placing flowers on veterans’ graves and holding brief services. Clergymen paused at individual plots to offer prayers, while families gathered quietly near the resting places of loved ones.

Following the decoration of graves, the State Guard firing squad delivered the traditional salute. From the far end of the cemetery came the plaintive notes of “Taps,” the soldiers’ farewell. The band then played “America,” with the assembled crowd joining in song.

Program at the Bandstand

At the bandstand, Rev. Edmund A. Miller opened the formal program with prayer. Robert Chamberlain followed with a reading of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

The traditional G.A.R. service was conducted by the Sons of Union Veterans, led by Commander Walter S. Carter and Chaplain H. E. Rice.

Parade Returns Through Town

At the conclusion of the cemetery services, the parade re‑formed and proceeded through Prospect Street, Vernon Street, and back along Washington Street, passing in review before dispersing in Norwood Square.

The day’s observance, steeped in tradition and marked by solemn dignity, once again affirmed Norwood’s enduring pledge: “We have not forgotten.”

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