Thursday, July 10, 2025
Wantagh Middle School students recently paused from their busy schedules to write heartfelt letters — each one addressed to the parents of Matthew Lynch, a U.S. Marine who gave his life in Iraq.
Mary DeGregorio, the school’s library assistant, spearheaded the touching project to make sure the students realize the importance of Memorial Day and to teach them the value of honoring those who lost their lives fighting for their country. Around 50 letters were written as the Herald went to press.
Starting on May 21, DeGregorio set a desk right outside her office with pens and premade cards at the ready. She created this with the hopes that students could express their gratitude to the parents of Lynch for the bravery that their son exemplified throughout his life.
Lynch, a Jericho native, was a driven and dedicated son, brother and friend, according to those who knew him. He was a star athlete in high school and college and spent his summers as a lifeguard at Jones Beach. After graduating from Duke University, Lynch made the courageous decision to join the U.S. Marine Corps, following in the footsteps of both his father, Bill, and brother, Tim.
On Oct. 31, 2004, at age 25, Lynch was killed in action serving overseas in Iraq. Lynch’s father was a Marine who made casualty calls during his time serving a short tour at the Marine Corps District Headquarters in Garden City. When he saw the two Marines dressed in blue uniforms walking toward him as he arrived home with his wife, he knew they were going to be told the worst possible news — that their son had been killed in combat.
DeGregorio explained that she wanted students to focus on the true meaning of Memorial Day, adding that she felt barbeques and pool parties overshadowed the day’s significance.
“We have come so far away from the true meaning of Memorial Day,” she said. “I feel like the idea of honoring the soldiers is being lost.”
After searching through numerous stories of different soldiers, DeGregorio explained that she felt drawn to Lynch’s story and decided that she was going to select him as the hero the students would honor.
As a child of a World War II veteran, DeGregorio explained that she always had a profound respect for those who have served their country, but this project made her feel even more connected to Memorial Day. She hoped to make it an annual event, spotlighting a different soldier each year.
DeGregorio also reached out to Lynch’s parents, who expressed appreciation that their son’s legacy continues to be honored years later.
Many of the students said they were impacted by the project, viewing it as the perfect opportunity to express their gratitude to a family who lost their son, and to pay tribute to him.
“It is important to honor the fallen soldiers on Memorial Day who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Michele Izzo, a sixth grader, said.
The letter-writing project allowed many of the students to understand the meaning of sacrifice and service, and they expressed how this experience changed their perspectives on Memorial Day.
“This project is really important,” Giuliana Venuti, a seventh grader, said. “It helps to humanize (Lynch). I feel like a lot of people think Memorial Day is the start of summer, and they do not realize how grateful we should be for the people who lost their lives for us.”
Joe Valentino, a Wantagh High School senior who will soon join the Marine Corps, emphasized the importance of honoring those who have fought for their country and lost their lives in the process. Valentino said that joining the Marines is a journey he is excited to embark on. He is set to join the Marines on July 15.
“I think the importance of Memorial Day goes over a lot of people’s heads,” Valentino said. “It's not easy being in the Marines. That's why the Marines' slogan is ‘The Few, The Proud,’ because not everyone can do it.”
The students were allowed to continue writing letters until June 6, and DeGregorio will mail them to Lynch’s parents, who live in North Carolina — a gesture she hopes will offer them comfort and remind them that their son’s legacy continues to inspire and be remembered all these years later.
