Honored At Testimonial Banquet
The Massachusetts Amvets paid tribute to Clement A. Riley last Thursday evening at a testimonial banquet held at the Sheraton Plaza Hotel in Boston, where he was presented with the organization’s highest honor, the Amvets Certificate of Merit. The award recognized Riley’s long record of public service and his reputation for championing individuals who often had no one else to speak for them.
In the presentation photograph, Thomas Kelley, Commander of the Metropolitan Post of the Amvets; Lt. Governor Robert F. Murphy; State Commander Joseph Francis; and Riley stand together as the citation is formally bestowed. (McLean Photo)
Throughout the evening, speakers offered personal accounts of Riley’s steadfast commitment to helping the vulnerable. Rt. Rev. Christopher P. Griffin, House Chaplain and former Norwood curate, opened the program by noting that while he and Riley had not always agreed, he had never known Riley to fail in offering a kind word or a helping hand.
Norwood Selectman Harry B. Butters, seated at the head table, recalled Riley’s many appearances before the Board of Selectmen during his years on the Welfare Board, always advocating for residents in distress. Butters emphasized that Riley’s compassion extended across every role he held—Welfare Board member, Selectman, and later Civil Service Commissioner.
State Representative Michael Paul Feeney, regarded as one of the leading Democratic figures in Massachusetts, recounted numerous occasions when “Clem” took unpopular stands to defend veterans or others in need, often at personal or political cost.
Later in the program, Riley—deeply moved by the reception—rose to thank the gathering, receiving a warm and extended ovation. (McLean Photo)
Lt. Governor Murphy, serving as principal speaker, praised Riley as both a credit to the Democratic Party and a loyal friend to those who struggled. Yet it was Rep. James Lawton of Brockton, known for his oratorical skill, who delivered the evening’s most stirring tribute. Lawton cited several examples of Riley’s quiet interventions on behalf of veterans, including one case in which Riley singlehandedly helped a Purple Heart recipient with three children retain his job when others refused to act.
The final address came from Joseph D. Ward, who, like Riley, had recently been defeated in the State Primaries despite party endorsement. Ward spoke not of Riley’s triumphs but of his character in moments of setback, asserting that Riley’s lifelong record of aiding those in need should have placed him “where he belongs—in high state office.”
When Riley stepped forward to accept the Certificate of Merit and accompanying plaque, the entire room rose in applause, honoring a man whose public service had left a lasting mark.
The banquet was presided over by Thomas F. Kelley, Amvets National Vice Commander, with State Commander Thomas L. Francis presenting the award.
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
(Norwood Messenger)
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