MANCHESTER- Manchester Democrats honored state Sen. Lou D'Allesandro (D-Manchester) at their annual Flag Day fundraiser.

Gov. John Lynch (D-Hopkington) told a story that he was at Fenway Park for New Hampshire Day and a guy came up to him and said he knew D'Allesandro.

"I think half the free world has been either taught or coached by Lou," Lynch told the crowd of 100. "Not only is he a leader in his district, he's a leader in the state."

D'Allesandro told the group that "life is all about relationships."

"Life is all about relationships and life all about additions not subtractions. I've been blessed to add so many friends over the years."

He added, "I think one the greatest compliments I can have is that I've helped make someone else's life better."

Democratic presidential candidates U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) wrote letters honoring D'Allesandro.

"Going door-to-door in Manchester with Lou was on the great highlights of my campaign," Clinton wrote. During the primary, D'Allesandro endorsed Clinton and campaigned for her in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

"Nobody looks better in a black silk shirt than Lou," joked former House leader Jim Craig (D-Manchester).

The daughters of former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury) and U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter read letters from their mothers.

The Manchester Democrats also gave state Sen. Betsi DeVries (D-Manchester) the C. Arthur Soucy Award and Patti Cornell the Mary and Henry Sullivan award.