Feb. 3 is Harold Paczosa Day! Come help Liberty House celebrate his legacy to NH veterans

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Liberty House: The gift to NH veterans that keeps on giving.
Liberty House: The gift to NH veterans that keeps on giving.

screen-shot-2017-01-31-at-8-42-08-amMANCHESTER, NH – If you have ever walked through the doors of Liberty House, you will know that magic does exist. On Friday, February 3, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. the public is invited to gather at Blessed Sacrament, 14 Elm St., Manchester, to honor and celebrate the life of the very person who unknowingly brought magic to Liberty House, Manchester’s own Harold Paczosa.

Ultimate Sacrifice

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Memorial stone honoring Private Harold Paczosa.

In 1943 amid WWII a German U-boat torpedo struck the USAT Dorchester and more than 600 servicemen were lost. Private Harold Paczosa of Manchester was among the servicemen who perished in the sinking of the transport ship. In honor of his memory, his sister, Annette, left the family home to the VFW, asking only that the house be used as a home for military veterans and that a memorial stone honoring her brother be maintained at the premises. With the support of the Manchester VFW, Don Duhamel – a retired Air Force sergeant disturbed by the vision of veterans homeless in his community – raised funds, garnered support, and willed Liberty House into existence.

Since then, the veterans at Liberty House have worked together to rebuild confidence, enhance their skills, and lead fulfilling, substance-free lives. Liberty House has provided support and services to more than 250 homeless veterans thanks to the generosity of our donors and the Paczosa family.

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Private Harold Paczosa
Harold Paczosa Day

That is why each year on February 3 staff, volunteers and residents gather at Blessed Sacrament Church to celebrate the life of Private Harold Paczosa. Despite his tragic death, something special, something magical has blossomed from his legacy, and that magic is Liberty House.

Each and every day dozens of veterans, homeless community members and people in need walk through the doors of Liberty House and receive food, clothing and guidance with no questions asked. Many of these folks have hit rock bottom and have nowhere else to turn, some may be ashamed to ask for help, but the magic of Liberty House helps bring hope into their lives.

Honoring Founder Don Duhamel

Following the celebration of Harold Paczosa’s life and legacy at Blessed Sacrament all are invited to gather at Liberty House for discussion and light refreshments.

Don Duhamel, founder of Liberty House in Manchester, NH.
Don Duhamel, founder of Liberty House in Manchester, NH.

Adding to this year’s solemn yet meaningful celebration of Harold Paczosa is the opportunity to honor the life of Liberty House founder and veterans advocate Donald E. Duhamel, 82, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Friday, January 20, 2017.

Like Harold Paczosa, Don Duhamel also served his country as well as his community – serving 40 years in the Air Force as a flight engineer, as well as time served as a master sergeant in the Army National Guard.

About the Liberty House

For more than a decade, Liberty House in Manchester has been providing a safe, supportive, substance-free housing community for American veterans transitioning out of homelessness. Since opening our doors in 2004, our dedicated team of staff and volunteers has helped more than 200 homeless veterans rejoin their communities and regain fulfilling, independent lives. In addition to assisting homeless veterans, Liberty House runs a food pantry and clothing closet for community members in need, all without federal funding. As a certified 501(C)3 non-profit organization, Liberty House relies on funding from private donors and local fundraisers to continue its mission and serve veterans in need.

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!