LEWISTON – The USS Canberra Association, in conjunction with area veterans’ organizations, will conduct special services at noon Saturday, April 8, on the down-river side of the James B. Longley Memorial Bridge for “all hands lost at sea.”

The service will also recall the 43rd anniversary of the sinking of the nuclear submarine USS Thresher 593 on April 10, 1963, about 200 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, with the loss of all 129 aboard.

The service is open to the public and all interested groups are asked to gather at the rear of Yvon’s Car Wash, located on the Lewiston side of the Longley Bridge, at 11:30 a.m.

Thomas C. Dow, U.S.N. (retired), who was stationed aboard the USS Recovery ARS 43, which took part in the search for Thresher survivors, will give a talk of his experiences.

Jerry DerBoghosian, who helped build the Thresher at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, will give a talk on his experiences in the building process of the Thresher and his relationship with the crew.

The group will then march to the center of the Longley Bridge where Douglas Taylor will deliver the invocation. DerBoghosian will sing a hymn, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save.” “Taps” will be blown by Richard Leblanc.

The throwing of the wreath into the river, the traditional memorial for “all hands lost at sea,” will take place. The service will conclude with the singing of “God Bless America” by the assembly. The service will be held rain or shine.

For more information, call DerBoghosian at 782-5700 or 353-7435.