LEWISTON – The U.S.S. Canberra Association, in conjunction with area veterans’ organization, will conduct special services at noon Saturday, April 12, on the downriver side of the James B. Longley Memorial Bridge for “all hands lost at sea” and the 45th anniversary of the sinking of the nuclear submarine U.S.S. Thresher 593.

The Thresher was on sea trials off the coast of Massachusetts when all hands were lost as it sank.

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

Thomas C. Down, U.S. Navy retired, who was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Recovery ARS 43, which took part in the search for Thresher’s survivors, will give a talk on his experiences.

Jerry DerBoghosian, who helped build the Thresher at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, N.H., will talk about his experiences in the building process 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. The assembly will sing the naval hymn, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” and “Taps” will be blown by Richard LeBlanc.

The throwing of the wreath into the Androscoggin River, a traditional memorial for “all hands lost,” will take place, and 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, contact DerBoghosian at 782-5700 or 353-7435.