Sept.11 ceremony honors NH's fallen heroes: 'Our country owes you a debt'

HAMPTON — On Sunday, two more New Hampshire heroes were added to the Global War on Terrorism Monument as American Legion Post 35 held its annual rededication service.

American Legion Post 35 Commander Berk Bennett said in the 21 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he is struck by two different portraits of America.

"In 2001, we honored so many victims, civilian, police, fire and passengers of the planes," Bennett said. "We were compassionate with each other; we were united as Americans. Twenty years later, we attacked our own capital. In 2001, we had the prayers of the world. Now they wonder about the fate of our democracy."

Previous story: Honoring Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio: Marine returns home to NH after fatal Osprey crash

Still, there is hope, he added. Bennett said the fact many people came out to Sunday's ceremony to remember the Gold Star families and the lives lost gives him hope.

"I hope we can heal as a nation," he said. "I hope we stop attacking each other and remember we have adversaries in the world. We give scholarships, name bridges and roads for those we have lost. We put their names in stone. We are all Americans here today."

This year the names of Army Specialist Brandon T. Martinez, of Londonderry, and Marine Capt. Nicholas Losapio, of Kensington, were unveiled as additions to the monument. They bring the total number of Granite State military members who lost their lives since the start of America’s war on terrorism to 81, Bennett said.

"Our country owes you a debt we can never repay," Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, said, talking not only about the two new names added, but of all the men and women the state has lost since Sept. 11. "It's hard to believe 21 years have passed, bringing a whole generation who only know of this from what they learn. I am struck by the power of place, the power of tradition that brings us here today and every year."

Gov. Chris Sununu talked about soldiers putting their lives on the line to defend our freedom. He said the families of soldiers sacrifice, too.

"We came together in 2001," he said. "It took a tragedy to unify us. We think the global war on terrorism is over. It's not. These are divisive times. Let today be the beginning of the tomorrow we all want to see. We can all give back, serving our country, volunteering at a food bank, joining the police force. There is something we can do."

Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffrey Barker, a Hampton Falls native and search and rescue pilot, was the keynote speaker.

"Sept. 11 is a reminder that life can change in a single moment," Barker said. "That day also gave us a need to do things bigger than ourselves. Many enlisted to serve. I wanted to become an Air Force pilot. At 18, I didn't really understand what service was. We were cocky, Type A pilots. And this event changed our mindsets."

Marine Capt. Nicholas Losapio

Losapio, 31, at the time of his death on June 8 of this year, was a pilot and one of five Marines who died when their Osprey tiltrotor helicopter crashed in the California desert during a training exercise.

The son of Michael and Susan Losapio, who moved from Kensington to Wolfeboro in 2021, Losapio also leaves behind his sister, Amanda, and fiancé, former USMC Captain Kelsie Hancock, and many other family members, friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.

Losapio, a 2009 Exeter High School graduate and wrestling team member, went on to graduate magna cum laude from Vermont’s Norwich University in 2013, before being commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

He received his pilot “wings” in 2016 and served as an active-duty pilot attached to VMM-364, “The Purple Foxes” squadron, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39, flying the MV-22B Osprey. He served more than nine years in the USMC, with over 1,350 flight hours, including 183.5 hours flying combat missions through three overseas deployments.

Army Specialist Brandon T. Martinez

Martinez was 24 when he died on June 19, 2021, in South Korea, the result of a medical incident while undergoing water survival training at Camp Humphreys. Raised in both Arizona and Londonderry, he was the son of Librado and April Martinez, and the brother of Rachael and Tony Martinez.

A graduate of Londonderry High School’s class of 2015, Martinez earned a degree in biotechnology from Great Bay Community College in 2017. He enlisted in the Army in 2019, serving as a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist. While stationed with the 4th CBRN Company, 23rd CBRN Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Humphreys South Korea, Martinez provided critical support caring for other soldiers.

"This is perhaps the most solemn occasion we commemorate each year," said state Sen. Tom Sherman, MD. "All of us remember exactly where we were on Sept. 11, and we will never forget."

Sherman was at Prince William Hospital in Manassas, Virginia.

"We were preparing for victims of the Pentagon attack," he said. "Sadly, there were none."

Paying tribute to NH's fallen

The ceremony began with an invocation by pastor Tim Lewis of the New England Shores Baptist Church, followed by the National Anthem, sung by UNH student Dasha Piotrowski, former member of the Junior Marine ROTC at Winnacunnet High School.

Revealing Martinez’ and Losapio’s names added to the monument were two Post 35 retired military members, Lt. Col. Patricia Bushway, and Capt. Suzanne Tetreault.

The names of all the fallen were read by Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Nevins and Navy Petty Officer Michael Michaud. After each name, the bell tolled, rung by Joseph "Joe" Kutt of the Navy.

The service concluded with a salute by Seacoast Detachment of Marine Corps League’s Firing Detail, followed by the playing of taps.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Nicholas Losapio, Brandon T. Martinez on NH War on Terror Monument