LEWISTON – Members of area veterans’ organizations and the public are invited to attend the memorial services commemorating the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the Thresher at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, April 10, on the James B. Longley Memorial Bridge.

The nuclear submarine sank on her shakedown cruise off the coast of Massachusetts with the loss of all hands aboard.

Those attending the ceremony are asked to report at the parking lot in the rear of Yvon’s Car Wash on the Lewiston side of the James B. Longley Memorial Bridge at 8:30 a.m.

Tom Dow, who was assigned as naval personnel on the search boat that located the area where the Thresher sank, will give a report on the search operation.

The group will march single file on the down riverside of the Longley Bridge where, at the center of the bridge, the ceremony will take place. The assembly will sing the “Star Spangled Banner.” Invocation will be given by the Rev. Donald Miller, Commander (Ret.) U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps followed by throwing of wreath into the Androscoggin River by Jerry DerBoghosian, retired from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard where the Thresher was built. A moment of silence will be held before singing of “God Bless America” by the assembly.

The service is open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, contact Jerry DerBoghosian at 782-5700 or 353-7435.


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