JAY — The Frank L.
Mitchell Post 3335, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and its auxiliaries, will conduct a brief program to “Remember the Maine” on Monday, Feb. 15. The community is invited to gather at 2 p.m. under the flag pole at the VFW post home.

The 1898 sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor was a major contributing factor to the onset of the Spanish-American War. Although the cause of the explosion was never satisfactorily determined, the general public held the Spanish government responsible.

Whatever the truth of the matter, “Remember the Maine” became the patriotic slogan of the war. The USS Maine was raised from Havana Harbor in 1912, towed to sea, and re-sunk out of the path of harbor traffic. During the operation, as well as at the time of the original sinking, many artifacts that were recovered were given to towns, cities and organizations across this country.

The bow scroll of the ship was presented to the city of Bangor, where a park and memorial were established.

Light refreshments will follow the program.