A Memorial Day Tribute Held By The VFW Post In Roslindale
By John Magee, Post Member
updated November 20, 2020
Freedoms and the constant need for their protection were emphasized at Monday’s Memorial Day exercises at the John T. Fallon grave in Old Calvary Cemetery, Roslindale.
Davis Kunze, President of the Roslindale Historical Society, speaking at the Veterans’ of Foreign Wars Cemetery, stated, “As we observe Memorial Day in our country’s Bicentenniaal year, we join together to honor John T. Fallon who, like many soldiers of the Revolution, died for his country in World War I."
The soldiers who chose to fight for their new country in 1776 had the same reasons for going to war as did John T. Fallon. He was fighting to maintain the freedoms which soldiers of the Revolution had established with their victory over England. A mile away from this spot on another hills in Roslindale, surrounded by trees in the Walter Street Burial Ground, lies the body of Captain Hale of Wolcott’s regiment of the Connecticut Militia. He died for the country that was just being established. John T. Fallon was to die on the battleground of France 150 later for the United States. America was now established as a world power. In the years since the Revolution, America has fought many times for her freedom. Soldiers all over the United States today are remembering battles in which they fought.
The spectre of war brings agony to those whose loved ones have been wounded, and heartbreak to those left homeless. To be sure, none relished the thought of going to war. Like the patriots of 200 years ago, our soldiers who participated in the war since “the shot heard around the world” continually found themselves facing the alternatives to taking up the sword. These alternatives included tyranny, lack of the press, and the repression of the freedom to worship as we wish. Rather than lose these guarantees, America has always chosen to office those who would take these freedoms away.
"The children of today must be taught to live in peace and harmony with their fellow men. They must also be taught to hold fast to the freedoms that were dearly won for them on the battlefield. This Bicentennial year is special to me to remember those freedoms which patriots fought for 200 years ago, and which have been made secure for all of us by soldiers like John T. Fallon." Commander Frank Whall led the John T. Fallon Post in its tribute to deceased veterans.
Senior vice-commander Clarence E. Carter placed a wreath on the Fallon grave, and floral tributes were added by Junior Vice-commander John F. Flaherty, adjutant James J. Clogher and Auxiliary President Leona Griffin. Chaplin Joseph Genna gave the Invocation.
Quinnway Junior Rifle Corps under the direction of Instructor Edward Burgess fired a salute memorializing fallen comrades, and Taps were sounded by Richard Kunze.
Roll Call of Fallon Post members who passed away during the years were announced by Commander Whall. They included Chaplain and Past Commander Thomas P. Carty, Charter Member Joseph W. Hener, John J. Lannon, Daniel S. McEachern, Harold Noonan, Past Commander Albert J. Tuleja, and Phillip Roach.
NOTE: This article was written by John Magee of the John T. Fallon Post in Roslindale. The article was found in the archives of the Roslindale Historical Society. The year is unknown, but the post closed in the late ‘70’s or early ‘80’s.