HAMPTON -- The Hampton Police Association recently presented a check for $1000 to Hamptons American Legion Post #35 to help fund the placement of a memorial monument on the grounds of the Legion Hall on High Street in Hampton.

"I thought it was a wonderful donation, and we were kind of overwhelmed by it," said Post #35 Commander, Ralph Fatello. "We are very, very grateful for it. It was just another humbling experience for all of us. We're just bowled over by it."

Taking part in the presentation of the check were Hampton Police Sergeant Joseph Galvin, Officer Andrew Jowett, and Officer Steve Henderson. Fatello accepted the generous donation on behalf of Post #35 and its members.

"The Hampton Police Association stepped up, and they were there for us," said Fatello.

The monument will pay tribute to military personnel from New Hampshire who made the supreme sacrifice in the Global War on Terrorism. The names of those who gave their lives in service to their country in the GWOT will be inscribed on the monument in chronological order.

A dedication ceremony will take place on the five-year anniversary of 9-11-01 on Monday, September 11 at 6 p.m. at the Legion Hall. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Families of NH casualties in the GWOT will be in attendance at the dedication ceremony, as will a number of guest speakers and dignitaries from around the state.

Currently, Post #35 is accepting donations from the community for the monument project. According a donation appeal released by Fatello, "The cost of this monument will be between $7000-$10,000. We've been lucky to receive several donations already, but we are still short of our goal."

Of those whose names are engraved on the monument, Fatello states, "Most of these brave Americans enlisted in the Armed Forces since [September 11, 2001], much like they did after December 7, 1941. They did it for all who lost their lives on that fateful day — firefighters, military and civilians. We feel these brave Americans should be honored now, not 10, 20, 30 or 40 years later, but right now."

Officer Henderson and the Hampton Police Association encourages other businesses and associations to "step up to the plate for this worthy cause with whatever donation you can make."

"It's a great cause," says Henderson.

"We appreciate [the] donations," said Fatello, who says contributions of any amount are appreciated. "It's not something that you can take for granted. We are humbled by the public's response."

Donations in the form of a check or money order may be made out and sent to Post #35 GWOT Memorial Fund, 69 High Street, Hampton, NH 03842.