LEWISTON-AUBURN — The 51st anniversary of the USS Thresher, SSN 593, which sank April 10, 1963, during deep dive trails off the East Coast of Boston, cannot be forgotten, stated Jerry Der Boghosian, age 90.

All 129 Navy crew members and civilian technicians perished in the deadliest submarine disaster in U.S. history.

Der Boghosian worked at the Portsmouth Naval yard at the time of the tragedy.

But he isn’t alone, according to Paul R. Bernard, commander of the American Legion William J. Rogers post 153, Auburn.

Tom Dow was assigned as naval personnel on the search boat that located the area where the Thresher sank. Dow serves on the USS Thresher Memorial Committee for Lewiston-Auburn.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard dedicated a flagpole in memory of the crew in April 2013.

Bernard, who served on the USS Constellation CVA 64, said, “I have been fortunate to serve in many positions in Central Maine as a member of the American Legion, and the theme is the same no matter where I go. We cannot forget the sacrifices of our fellow comrades that have served in the U.S. military.”

“If we fail to remember the price veterans paid, those fathers and mothers who answered the call of duty not knowing their job would mean giving their lives and never seeing their loved ones again, would all be forgotten in the hallways of time,” said Bernard.

A memorial ceremony will be held at noon Saturday, April 12, at the Governor James B. Longley Bridge. Everyone is welcome to meet in the parking area of the Veterans Memorial Park and walk up to the bridge. The upper parking spot will be held for Der Boghosian to save him from walking up the hill.

For more information, contact Tom Dow at 782-0927.

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