Memorial Day Meaning
Real stories about war, courage, sacrifice, and fear were shared with the students today by volunteer staff member Leah Culotta. She told stories about her recently deceased husband, Samuel Culotta, who joined the military at the age of 17 to fight in World War II. He was in 7 landing invasions in the Pacific during the height of the war with Japan. Leah shared stories about the horrors he witnessed and how it affected him throughout his life. She also recounted a touching story of how he helped save a young, injured boy in the Philippines and how they reunited decades later. Her talk was illustrated with newspaper articles, photos, and even a flag that Mr. Culotta recovered from Saipan during the war. Leah helped the students understand the real meaning of the holiday as they went into their long weekend.