At their April 23 meeting, the Stoughton Board of Selectmen voted to approve three Memorial Square dedications which will take place this Memorial Day, May 27.
The three men, Herbert Joel Lindelof, John O’Hare and Vincent Healy, will be recognized for their military service to the country and their contributions to the Stoughton community.
Stoughton Veterans Agent Mike Pazyra gave selectmen a biographical sketch of each recipient at the April 23 meeting.
Herbert Joel Lindelof
Mr. Lindelof died from an illness while in boot camp after being drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War.
Lindelof graduated from Stoughton High in the class of ’61. He graduated from UMass in ’65 before being drafted.
"With the Vietnam War raging and getting worse at the time, Mr. Lindelof didn’t try to get out of his obligation like so many did. He didn’t flee to Canada. He didn’t enroll in graduate school to prolong his education only for the purpose of avoiding the draft. He didn’t claim a physical or mental illness to avoid the draft. Instead he did what most young men did, he answered the call," Pazyra said.
Lindelof was only 22 when he died serving his country.
His Memorial Square will be at the corner of Lindelof Avenue and Kay Way.
John O’Hare
Mr. O'Hare was a WWII veteran who served in campaigns in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne.
O'Hare was a lifelong resident of Stoughton.
After retiring at age 57 due to medical issues, he became deeply involved with youth sports in Stoughton, with years of coaching, serving on league boards, and even writing articles with stats for the players and their families, while reporting on youth sports.
"Mr. O’Hare's commitment to the youths of our community during his years of voluntary service certainly meets the standards set by the [Memorial Square Dedication] Policy," Pazyra said.
O'Hare passed away January 16, 2013 at the age of 89.
O'Hare's Memorial Square will be at the corner of Pleasant Street and Lincoln Street.
Vincent Healy
Mr. Healy served four years in the Navy during WWI from 1917 to 1921. He was awarded the WWI Victory Medal for his service.
Healy was an active member of the Stoughton VFW Post 1645 for over 30 years.
He was instrumental in establishing scholarship programs at the VFW and also helped build an addition onto the building.
Healy was also a strong advocate for veteran's housing and helped many vets find homes.
"Mr. Healy was a strong advocate for helping these vets, not only in housing but also in helping them navigate the rules of the Veterans Administration and the VA Hospital," Pazyra noted.
Born in 1895, Healy passed away in February of 1985.
Healy's Memorial Square will be at the corner of Park Street (near #375) and Belmont Avenue.