Boston Honors Fallen Heroes: Thomas and William Roddy Hero Square Dedication

By NRI Globe Staff | Published: June 29, 2025

On June 28, 2025, the City of Boston held a poignant Hero Square Dedication ceremony at the intersection of Stratford Street and Kenneth Street in West Roxbury to honor brothers Thomas and William Roddy, two Navy servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. The event, hosted by the City of Boston’s Office of Veterans’ Services, commemorated the lives and service of these fallen heroes, whose names now grace a Hero Square, joining over 1,200 such memorials across the city. This dedication serves as a tribute to their courage and a reminder of the sacrifices made by Boston’s servicemen and women. Here’s a detailed look at the Roddy brothers’ legacy, the significance of Hero Squares, and the community’s effort to preserve their memory.

The Roddy Brothers: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

Thomas Roddy

Thomas Roddy was born on April 12, 1917, in Boston, Massachusetts. A proud son of the city, he attended Dearborn Grammar School and graduated from the prestigious Boston Latin School in 1935. He later enrolled at Boston College before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1940. Known for his love of singing Irish ballads and his tradition of receiving a yearly shamrock from Ireland, Thomas brought warmth and spirit to those around him.

As a Lieutenant aboard the USS Juneau, an Atlanta-class light cruiser, Thomas served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Tragically, on November 13, 1942, during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, the USS Juneau was struck by a Japanese torpedo and sank, claiming the lives of Thomas and hundreds of his crewmates, including the five Sullivan brothers. Thomas was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal for his bravery and service.

William Roddy

William Roddy, born on August 6, 1923, also grew up in Boston and followed in his brother’s footsteps by serving his country. Enlisting in the Navy, William served as a Seaman 2nd Class aboard the USS Barr, a destroyer escort. On May 30, 1945, while operating in the Atlantic, the USS Barr was struck by a torpedo from a German submarine, resulting in William’s death. His service earned him the Purple Heart and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, recognizing his contributions to the war effort in the European Theater.

The Roddy brothers’ shared commitment to duty and their ultimate sacrifice highlight the profound losses endured by families and communities during World War II. Their story resonates deeply in Boston, a city with a strong tradition of honoring its veterans.

The Hero Square Dedication Ceremony

The dedication ceremony on June 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., was a solemn yet uplifting event attended by local officials, veterans, community members, and representatives from the Office of Veterans’ Services. Boston City Councilor Ben Weber, who represents District 6, invited the community to join in honoring the Roddy brothers, emphasizing the importance of preserving their legacy.

The intersection of Stratford Street and Kenneth Street in West Roxbury now bears a placard commemorating Thomas and William Roddy. As part of Boston’s initiative to enhance Hero Squares, a biographical plaque will be added to provide passersby with details about the brothers’ lives and service, ensuring their story endures. Mayor Michelle Wu, continuing the city’s tradition of honoring fallen heroes, underscored the significance of these memorials in fostering community reflection on the sacrifices of service members.

Boston’s Hero Square Tradition

Boston’s Hero Square program, which began in 1898 with the naming of Dewey Square at South Station, honors service members killed in action by dedicating city squares or intersections in their memory. With over 1,200 Hero Squares across Boston’s neighborhoods, these memorials serve as enduring tributes to the city’s fallen heroes. The Office of Veterans’ Services is actively working to install biographical plaques at each square, educating residents and visitors about the individuals behind the names.

The Roddy brothers’ Hero Square joins others in West Roxbury and across Boston, such as those honoring Martin McDonough in South Boston and Sgt. William Dalton in Dorchester, both of whom also perished during World War II. These memorials not only preserve the memory of the fallen but also strengthen community ties by highlighting the history of service in Boston’s neighborhoods.

Community and Historical Significance

The dedication of the Roddy brothers’ Hero Square is a testament to Boston’s commitment to remembering its veterans. The ceremony reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the sacrifices of World War II veterans, like Thomas and William Roddy, are never forgotten. For the West Roxbury community, this Hero Square serves as a local touchstone, encouraging residents to pause and reflect on the courage and selflessness of those who served.

The Roddy brothers’ story also underscores the broader impact of World War II on Boston families. The loss of both brothers within three years highlights the immense toll the war took on communities across the United States. By dedicating a Hero Square in their name, Boston ensures that their contributions and sacrifices remain a part of the city’s historical fabric.

Why It Matters for NRIs

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with ties to Boston or an interest in American history, the Roddy brothers’ Hero Square Dedication is a powerful reminder of the shared values of duty and sacrifice that transcend borders. The event highlights Boston’s deep respect for its veterans, a sentiment that resonates with communities worldwide that honor their own heroes. NRIs visiting or living in Boston may find inspiration in exploring the city’s Hero Squares, which offer a window into the personal stories of courage that shaped the nation during World War II.

Join NRI Globe in honoring the Roddy brothers and all veterans by visiting Boston’s Hero Squares. Share your thoughts on this tribute in the comments below!