Honored At Testimonial Banquet

PRESENTED CITATION — Clement A. Rliey (right) was given an Amvets Certificate of Merit at a banquet held In his honor last Thursday night at the Sheraton Plaza Hotel In Boston. Left to right: Thomas Kelley, Commander, Metropolitan Post of the Amvets, Lt. Governor Robert F. Murphy, Commander Joseph Francis of the State Department, and Mr, Riley. (McLean Photo)

The Massachusetts Amvets honored former Civil Service Commissioner Clement A Riley of Norwood when they presented him their highest award, the Amvets Certificate of Merit, at a banquet held at the Sheraton Plaza Hotel last Thursday evening.

A long list of guest speakers cited the past record of Riley as a Civil Service Commissioner when, time and again, he gave aid to the friendless First speaker of the evening, Rt Rev Christopher Griffin, House Chaplain and former Norwood curate, said that he had agreed and disagreed with Riley many times in the past, but that he had always had a good word for him.

Norwood Selectman Harry B Butters, a head table guest, told of the many times Riley had come before the Board of Selectmen when he was serving on the Wei fore Board to aid some poor person in distress. Butters also said that Riley had always been a friend to the needy as a member of the Welfare Board, as a Selectman, and later as a Civil Service Commissioner.

Rep Michael Paul Feeney, considered one of the top Democratic leaders in the State today, also told of many instances when “Clem” had gone out on a limb, many times to the disdain of his colleagues, to help veterans or those in need of help.

EXPRESSES GRATITUDE — Deeply moved by the reception given him by the Amvets, Clem Riley rises to thank the gathering at the Sheraton Plaza Hotel. (McLean Photo)

Lt Governor Robert F Murphy, principal speaker of the evening told the group of more than 100 that Riley was a credit to the Democratic Party, and a friend to those in need

Of all the oratorical tributes paid to Riley, however, none came close to that offered by Rep. James Lawton, of Brockton. Easily one of the most gifted speakers in the country today, Lawton gave several examples when Riley befriended veterans in need, and cited one case where Riles’ had singlehandedly helped a Purple Heart veteran with three children to retain his job in the face of many of his associates refusing to do anything.

The principal speaker of the evening, Joseph D. Ward, who like Riley was defeated in the State Primaries after being endorsed by the Democratic Party, spoke about Riley’s moment of defeat, rather than those of triumph. Ward said that Riley’s record of helping those who need help should have put him ” where he belongs . . in high, State office ”.

AT RILEY BANQUET — Monsignor Christopher P. Griffin, formerly of St. Catherine’s Church, was one of the speakers at the testimonial dinner for Clement A. Riley held at the Sheraton Plata last Thursday night. (McLean Photo)

When Riley rose to accept the Certificate of Merit and Plaque, the entire group present rose to their feet and joined in a warm round of applause for a most deserving recipient.

Thomas F Kelley, Amvets National Vice Commander, presided as Master of Ceremonies. Amvets State Commander Thomas L. Francis presented the Award.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)