U. S. Armed Forces Walk of Honor - Boscawen, New Hampshire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Issued by: Veterans Memorial Monuments Fund, Inc
Contact: Daron H. Libby, Program Director
Phone: 603-425-2292
Email: dhlc@adelphia.net

NH BUSINESS BACKING VETERANS PROJECT
July 4, 2005

Londonderry, NH - Last winter, a group of NH veterans formed the Veterans Memorial Monuments Fund (VMMF) and, with the support of the Governor's office and the State Adjutant General, set out to raise the $125,000 necessary to construct a US Armed Forces WALK OF HONOR at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. The memorial will be comprised of individual monuments recognizing all five branches of service, will be located within the existing Memorial Walkway and be large enough to accommodate two dozen people for family meetings after an interment or a classroom field trip.

A joint program between the veterans group and NHToDo Magazine, the VMMF is asking the friends and families of the 130,000 veterans of New Hampshire to contribute to this effort through a contribution of $25, $40 or $55. As an option, the contributor can elect to receive a subscription to NHToDo and the Discount ClubCard as a thank-you gift. The VMMF has gained the support of the huge statewide veterans organizations and major media such as newspapers, television and radio to help spread the word.

NHToDo’s Executive Editor Daron Libby of Londonderry has been heading up the fundraising arm of the operation. The project is a civilian effort, with no funds being drawn from government or public veteran coffers. Libby said, "We are very pleased with the positive response we've received from New Hampshire's business community. In the past month alone, we have had over $10,000 worth of booth space donated by Harley-Davidson of Meredith during the 82nd Annual Laconia Motorcycle Week , the gracious permission by the State Liquor Commissioner to place posters and rack cards in all 70 of NH's State Liquor Stores, permission to place rack cards in all 35 Shaw's Supermarkets stores and major corporate contributions from Delta Dental and Coca-Cola."

Another local New Hampshire business, NH Travel Brochures, offered to help by placing Walk of Honor rack cards in 600 restaurants and hotels throughout New Hampshire. Cummings Printing of Hooksett and Papergraphics of Bedford both supported the project with the printing of publicity materials. The Hillsborough Balloon Festival offered help with booth space during their annual July festival.

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats baseball and Manchester Wolves arena football organizations have also offered their support. The Fisher Cats recognized NH veterans and the Junior ROTC took part during the opening ceremonies of the Support the Troops Night last month at the new Fisher Cat Stadium. The Manchester Wolves game, to be held at the Verizon Wireless Arena on July 29th at 7:30 p.m., will host an Appreciation Night for NH's Veterans and Active Service Members. Part of the proceeds of the game will go to support the Walk of Honor project. A limited number of discounted tickets are available and can be purchased by calling 1-888-345-8636.

This month, the State Library graciously offered to deliver and place rack card displays at over 200 public libraries around the state. The red, white and blue card describes the Walk of Honor project and offers a contribution form.

Libby states, "To be successful, a statewide project like this needs the support of dozens of organizations in order to reach out to hundreds of thousands of New Hampshire residents. And we are getting that support." The VMMF recently developed a volunteer kit for people who are interested to help with the project. Lots of new sub-projects are just getting underway to get the word out.

An internet website, www.nhwalkofhonor.com, is available to keep everyone updated on the project and to accept secure online donations. Libby says, “As we support our active troops abroad, NHToDo is proud to provide an opportunity for Americans to express their gratitude and support for those veterans who served in earlier wars. The Walk of Honor will stand for all Americans to say to our veterans and active service members, ‘You are not forgotten and we are deeply grateful for all you did and are doing for our state and nation.’”

NHToDo recently added a monthly feature named "Beyond The Call" which is dedicated to the heritage and affairs of the New Hampshire Veteran. Libby's goal is that the magazine will help to bring the rich stories of New Hampshire's military history and the good deeds of our veteran organizations more into the awareness of the mainstream public.

NHToDo Magazine is a monthly, 68-page, full color, activity-based magazine that encourages readers to discover the diversity that New Hampshire offers for family fun. Feature articles are presented in a colorful and entertaining format and are loaded with ideas from camping and hot air ballooning to antiquing and theme parks. NHToDo, available at newsstands throughout New England, also includes a three-month events calendar and New Hampshire dining and lodging reviews. The NHToDo ClubCard entitles subscribers to discounts at lodging, restaurants and attractions throughout New Hampshire. Through the promotion of NH tourism, it is the goal of NHToDo to strengthen the NH economy and to help businesses grow, leading to the creation of new jobs.

For more information on how you can help support the US Armed Forces Walk of Honor Project, contact Daron Libby at 603-425-2292.