Hampton Celebrates the Lives, Memory of Its Fallen Sept. 11 Heroes

Approximately 400 individuals gathered in front of American Legion Post 35 in Hampton Wednesday as the community and state paid tribute to New Hampshire servicemen and women who have perished on duty since the terrorism attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The legion's Global War on Terrorism Monument was rededicated during the ceremony, which shut down High Street and featured Gov. Maggie Hassan and American Legion National Cmdr. Dan Dellinger as guest speakers. 

Five new names were added to the granite stones before the ceremony, bringing the total number of fallen soldiers with New Hampshire ties to 62 since the attacks on 9/11.

The individuals and families, remembered in the video above, are as follows:

Dimitrios Gavriel, of Atkinson, was killed in action on Nov. 19, 2004, a week after being wounded by shrapnel and leaving the hospital early in order to continue to serve in Iraq with the Marine Corps.

Gavriel enlisted after the "line went dead" while talking on the phone to a friend in one of the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, and his sister enlisted after Gavriel died because she "wanted to finish her brother's mission," according to Post 35 Cmdr. Ralph Fatello.

Christopher Journeau, of Stratham, was killed in action on June 22, 2010. Journeau was a recipient of the Army Achievement Medal, many service ribbons and awards, and the prestigious Combat Infantry Badge — a big honor, according to Fatello.

Journeau loved the outdoors and playing the guitar, and was incredibly proud of his veteran license plate, which read "SCREWY," according to Fatello.

Ryan Savard, 29, of Jefferson, was killed on Oct. 13, 2012, during his fifth tour in Afghanistan. Fatello said the Green Beret was not only a "warrior," but also — according to someone who knew him — was a "great young man" with a smile that "warmed you up."

Savard, a Purple Heart winner, worked as a helicopter repairman before joining the Special Forces.

Shawn Hogan, 28, of Salem, died on Oct. 17, 2012, due to injuries sustained during a training exercise. Also a Green Beret, Hogan loved hiking, rock climbing and other outdoor activities, in addition to being an "avid reader," according to Fatello.

Hogan was a graduate of Salem High School, where he was a co-captain of the school's cross-country team. 

Paul DeMeo, 23, of Derry, died on May 14, 2013, at Fort Bragg, where he was stationed as a member of the Army. The graduate of Pinkerton High School and West Point was a rifle platoon leader an a recipient of the Army Accommodation Medal, which Hampton State Rep. Fred Rice — a retired Green Beret — said is impressive because DeMeo was only stationed in his unit for a little over a year before receiving it.

"He was one sharp son-of-a-gun," said Rice, who conducted DeMeo's West Point entrance interview. "He was excellent. Just excellent... You have to walk on water [to receive that medal]."

What are your thoughts on the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001? Do you honor anyone special? Please tell us in the comments.