Fulton board proclaims June 6 as Carlton W. Barrett Day after student essays on D-Day heroism

The Fulton City School District Board of Education unanimously approved a proclamation naming June 6 (or the following Monday if June 6 falls on a weekend) as Carlton W. Barrett Day after students presented essays about Barrett’s actions on D-Day.

Students from district elementary and middle schools read first-person and historical-perspective essays describing Carlton W. Barrett’s conduct on Omaha Beach during Operation Overlord on June 6, 1944. Multiple presenters recounted Barrett swimming into neck‑deep water to bring wounded soldiers to a triage area, continuing to rescue others despite being shot and later wounded by a mortar. Superintendent Paulino thanked students and staff for the presentations and noted the event aligns with district civics efforts.

The proclamation text read at the meeting summarized Barrett’s wartime actions, his subsequent military service, and the board’s intent to use the commemoration for education about World War II, valor and sacrifice. The board voted 4–0–0 to approve the proclamation as action 5.01.

Board members and district staff framed the presentations as an instructional moment: teachers and staff described the curriculum prompting student essays, and board members praised the students for public speaking and civic engagement. Superintendent Paulino and staff noted the Barrett recognition is in its second year and that local events are planned to mark the day, with the district and city coordinating activities such as a commemoration at Warren Memorial.

No formal policy changes or budget allocations were adopted as part of the proclamation vote; the board’s action was a formal recognition and direction that Barrett Day be observed annually and that the superintendent and board determine appropriate events.

The meeting transcript shows the students’ readings, the proclamation’s text and the 4–0–0 vote approving the proclamation.