Norwood Celebrates Its Veterans With Parade, Ceremony

NORWOOD, MA - Hundreds gathered in Norwood Center Thursday morning to pay tribute to all who served in the armed forces and view the parade as the town celebrated Veterans Day on Thursday.

Although the weather was glorious and the crowd excited, there was at times a somber tone to the event as public officials recalled family members who sacrificed their lives for their country.

The day began with a Veterans' Recognition Mass at St. Catherine's of Siena Church in Norwood Center. Performers, scouts and public officials gathered at the Balch Elementary School, where the march kicked off at 10 a.m. The bands included the Norwood High School marching band, the Colonial Pipers and the Norwood Colonial Boys Fife & Drum Corps.

Residents waved and cheered to welcome the marchers in the first parade held since the advent of the pandemic. They then proceeded to the town common to hear public officials reflect on the meaning of the holiday and the impact of veterans on the freedoms our nation enjoys.

"Welcome to a beautiful day of music and of prayer, of recognition and respect," said Veterans' Services Director Ted Mulvehill to the spectators.

The Norwood High School marching band played "The Star Spangled Banner" to the applause of the crowd. Mulvehill then read a proclamation from Gov. Charlie Baker in honor of the 388,000 veterans currently living in the state and those who have preceded them in serving with "honor, patriotism and courage."

This is the 103rd national celebration of the holiday, which came about because of the end of World War I on Armistice Day on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. At 11 a.m., the church bells at the St. Catherine of Sienna Church tolled in recognition of this events as people bowed their heads and placed their hands over their hearts.

Selectman Helen Donohue reflected on the joy of seeing the town able to come together in celebration while she acknowledged the military tragedies her family has endured.

"What I see here today is something very, very special," she said. "Please look around and see all of the wonderful children we have all over the place. Children have shown up this year more than any time before."

She said she didn't know if the turnout was the result of the waning of the pandemic, the beautiful weather, or the chance to honor veterans. She suspected it was all these reasons.

"Veterans Day is always a hard day for me because I lost my father on Veterans Day," Donohue continued. One of her husband's nephews was killed 31 years ago in Desert Storm. Another relative was sent to Kabul, where he was killed.

"It means the world that you're here with your family, with your children," she added. "All of you have come out to acknowledge all those who have served, all those who protect our way of life, and all those who give us the opportunity to live in the terrific town of Norwood in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."

"Today's activities are often referred to as an observance," said Selectman William Plasko. "However, I prefer to consider it a celebration, a date of action that marks an important occasion, usually engaging in greater social activities- such as our parade, our music, and our comrades gathering to honor our veterans.

He added that the best way to honor their sacrifice is to engage in public service, whether by volunteering in the community, becoming involved in local committees, and voting.

"Together, we can continue to make America as good as it can be," he stressed.

Selectman Matt Lane said that his father was a Vietnam veteran who never discussed his service while he was growing up.

"I want to personally thank Ted Mulvehill for engaging with my father, who now gets healthcare through the VA and other services. It's just really meant a lot to me."

"Veterans Day is the best day to me personally," he said of the patriotic holidays, "because we can thank our veterans in person. It fills my heart with civic pride to see a gathering like this, where elected officials, veterans organizations, police, fire, and citizens can come in and enjoy each other's company and celebrate a holiday that means so much."

Assistant General Manager Michael Rosen asked people to thank veterans for their service. Many people did that throughout the morning, shaking hands and expressing gratitude.

"This year, as we mark Veterans Day and honor our nation's veterans, we should take the time and honor the legacy of Norwood veterans and ensure that they are supported," he said.

"There are ways all of us can support those who bear the physical, emotional and psychological scars of way," Rosen continued. "Sometimes just sitting down to engage with veterans or family members to talk can go a long way. Call, email, reach out online. No matter how, keep connecting. They never gave up on us, so let's never give up on them."