The Inside Press

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Chappaqua Public Library

A Conversation with a Hero

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World War II Vet Sergeant Dan Santagata Regales Audience with Historical Reminisces

On Sunday, February 25th, an adoring and patriotic crowd filled the auditorium at The Chappaqua Library to listen to the moving first-hand stories of a World War II veteran, hero, and neighbor. The New Castle Historical Society had invited Sergeant Dan Santagata, who will be 100 years old in August 2024, to relay his experiences in the US Army. He obliged, offering inspiring stories of grit, resolve, victories, and losses. Keith Hopkins, Sergeant Santagata’s stepson, moderated the discussion brilliantly.

It was impossible to miss his obvious pride and love for his stepdad and the special bond that the two of them share. Sgt. Santagata’s incredible journey and reflections were a testament to his enduring spirit of country before self and a touching tribute to the camaraderie and sacrifices made by those who served alongside him.

Leaving home at the age of 17, Sgt. Santagata was trained as a combat engineer and joined the 5th Infantry Division. As a combat engineer, he belonged to a specialized unit tasked with performing a wide range of crucial work that was essential to the success of his division and many other divisions within the Army.

The significance of combat engineers cannot be overstated, as they were the linchpin to ensuring that every operation and mission ran smoothly. Whether equipment needed to be fixed or obstacles needed to be overcome, it was the combat engineers’ responsibility to step in and address the challenges head-on. Their multifaceted skill set made them the go-to experts for tackling a myriad of tasks, ranging from firing bazookas, operating radios, shuttling soldiers across rivers to searching for and placing landmines and fortifying defensive positions. Sgt. Santagata conducted 26 river crossings during his time during the war.

Sgt. Santagata also shared what it was like to fight under the command of General George Patton, for several years and during the brutal six weeks of “The Battle of the Bulge”, which successfully paved the way to victory for the Allied Troops. Sgt. Santagata’s admiration for General Patton was a theme throughout his reflections on his military service. Despite the divisive opinions surrounding General Patton, Dan held an unwavering belief that there wasn’t a better leader in the military and felt his opinion was shared by many soldiers who also served under the iconic General. Patton’s leadership style, characterized by his boldness, strategic acumen, and relentless pursuit of excellence, left an indelible mark on Sgt. Santagata. Patton’s ability to inspire and command respect, coupled with his unyielding commitment to his country, resonated deeply with Sgt. Santagata.

Sgt. Santagata also shared what his life has been like since his time in service. He has been honored with prestigious awards in recognition of his exceptional service including the Luxembourg Medal of Honor, the Order of Lafayette, and the French Medal of Honor. These accolades reflect his dedication and bravery during a time of great adversity. Recently, Sgt. Santagata had the opportunity to return to France with members of his family on a tour arranged to honor his service. One very special stop on the trip took place at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, where Sgt. Santagata was brought to General Patton’s grave and honored him with a salute one more to his highly regarded and beloved General.

Sgt. Santagata was also brought to the cemetery and grave of a special friend that he lost in battle with the last name of Wentz. Here too, he was able to lay flowers and offer one last salute to a comrade and hero. Sgt. Santagata was proud and honored to be able to share these emotional experiences with his family. He shared that, to this day, it is difficult to think about friends who did not make it home from battle. However, he said, “If I had to do it all over again, I would,” demonstrating his selfless persona. Finally, Dan told us all that whenever someone says, “Thank you for your service” to him, he always responds by saying “Thank you for remembering”. Our community is so blessed to have this hero in our town.

Sgt. Santagata, today and every day, we salute you and thank you for your service.

Lunar New Year in New Castle: Cultural Extravaganza Celebrating ‘The Season of Hope and Change’

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Chappaqua, NY–-The Lunar New Year, also known as The Spring Festival, marks the thawing embrace of Spring–the ice breaks up and the hardships ease. Ushering in a season of renewed fluidity and hope, the Chappaqua community gathered at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on Sunday, February 4th to celebrate the arrival of Spring and the beginning of a new year. The scene, hosted by The Chappaqua Public Library, overflowed with hundreds of families eager to commemorate The Year of the Dragon–a year of power, auspiciousness, and prosperity. This cultural extravaganza displayed traditions, unique to a wide range of communities. Despite the noticeable differences in cultural customs, unity truly shined through with generous volunteers across the state working to make this event as spectacular as it was. 

Luck and good fortune captivated the audience with the event kickoff–the Lion Dance. The traditional Chinese and Asian performance imitated the movements of a dragon, in a lively eye-catching costume. Accompanied by the backdrop of a vigorous drum beat, the performance consisted of fundamental movements that are famous in Chinese martial arts. The dragon’s vibrant neons and striking patterns excited the room. Children did not hesitate to express their joy, thrilled to witness a flamboyant dragon cascading through the venue. 

Although the audience was regretful to learn that the Lion Dance was over, this celebration of culture did not stop there. The Lion Dance marked the beginning of an afternoon spewing with enticement. 

As we transitioned into the season of hope and change, lead event coordinator Cristina Shih enlightened the audience with the rich history of the lunar calendar. After day 15, ancient Chinese civilizations began to clean up their homes to make space for the welcoming of spring.

The audience was quick to shift in their seats, prepared to welcome the Native tribe’s fashion show to the stage. Adorned in the embellished silk skirts of the Dai People, children displayed the pastel blues and blossom pinks whilst taking center stage. The audience was swept across Asia to the Tibetan People where children displayed the traditional Tibetan Robe–a big garment characterized by its long sleeve, loose waist, and silk rims. The performance was nothing short of exceptional.

A fan favorite of the evening was the sensational karate performance, organized by 8th-degree black belt and member of the Jundokan Dojo in Naha Okinawa, Sensei Mark Dwyer. Exhilarated faces filled the audience seats as students of the Okinawa Goju-Ryu School of Karate performed traditional Okinawa styles of Karate, a combination of hard and soft techniques. We witnessed a variety of astonishing linear attacks, as well as fearless kicks and punches. Between every punch, echoes of applause and the sounds of amazement bounced off the venue’s walls. Driven by strength and self-discipline, the students successfully brought a piece of Japanese culture to Chappaqua. 

A series of enchanting dances and written pieces such as the Treading Poem were performed, leaving community members in awe and enriched with culture. Hosts Jayden Cao and Phoebe Hawthorne exquisitely led the audience through the event, guiding us as we embarked on a rich path through Chinese history, culture, and tradition.

A sense of community was established on this Sunday afternoon with the noble support of the Chappaqua Public Library and the town who were committed to the success of the event. At the event’s start, New Castle Town Supervisor Victoria Bayard Tipp greeted the crowd with the touching Chinese four-character idiom ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’ (wishing you happiness and prosperity). Following the program, craft activities and traditional snacks were enjoyed.

Over the centuries, The Lunar New Year has catalyzed the connection between past and present, serving as a tool for unification. 

Photos by Aidan Lane and Grace Bennett for the Inside Press