Brightwood Boys, The History of the Men from
the North End of
Springfield, Massachusetts,
During World War II
by Christopher P. Montagna
Postscript
Today, many of the homes and streets of the old Brightwood are gone. Those that remain are worn and the memories of the servicemen and women who lived there are becoming as worn and faded as the facades of the houses. When I return to Springfield these days, I take a moment to drive through Brightwood. My mind reflects on those homes and vacant lots. The house numbers and street names have meaning to me beyond that of a sign. I know who lived at 6 Springfield Street and that there was a house where the overpass for Route 91 now stands and that parking lot was once the home of a future naval commander.
In my youth, these men were my father, uncles, neighbors and family friends. As an adult, I now know I was walking in the company of hero’s. I am saddened in the fact that in life I did not appreciate their efforts. But after having researched their contributions to our Nation, I am all the richer. My hope is the spirit and dedication of the families from Brightwood not fade completely away. This book is my small but humble commitment to those families.