09/14/2026
Today, Marvin Display had the honor of repairing a broken flagpole at Sandy Ground in Milford—a very special place that honors the life and memory of James Mattioli, one of the 20 children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
James was just six years old. He was remembered as an energetic, loving little boy who loved baseball, basketball, swimming, being outdoors, and especially math. He was affectionately known as “J.”
The Milford Sandy Ground playground was built in James’ memory as part of the Sandy Ground: Where Angels Play project, which created playgrounds in honor of the 26 children and educators lost at Sandy Hook. James’ connection to Milford was especially meaningful—his family lived here before moving to Newtown.
So today, when we arrived to repair this flagpole, we knew we were working on something much more important than a piece of equipment.
We were helping care for a place that keeps a little boy’s memory alive.
It was an absolute honor to be a small part of preserving this sacred memorial and making sure the flag can once again fly proudly above it.
James was only six when the world lost him.
But his name, his memory, and the love of his family and community live on.
Fly high, James.
