The sinking of the Maine started the Spanish-American War in 1898.

LEWISTON – Members of area veterans organizations held a memorial service recently commemorating the 106th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, Cuba. The sinking of the Maine started the Spanish-American War in 1898.

The group marched to the center of the James B. Longley Bridge on the downriver side of the Androscoggin River where Jerry DerBoghosian, president-emeritus of the USS Canberra Reunion Association, led prayers followed by the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” by the assembly.

A wreath was thrown into the Androscoggin in memory of all those who lost their lives in this sinking of the USS Maine. The assembly concluded the service with “God Bless America.”