Kittery Moving Closer to Creating USS Thresher Memorial

Editor's note: Welcome to "Across the River," which offers stories and news from Kittery, Maine. Each Thursday, Portsmouth Patch will present a story about this community along with a short list of upcoming events and happenings around town. All Portsmouth Patch stories about Kittery, Maine will also be posted in our new "Across the River" topic page that can be accessed by clicking on the News section of the tool bar any time.

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On April 10, 2013, the Town of Kittery, Maine will honor the sacrifice and the memory of the 129 Navy personnel and civilians who perished on the USS Thresher 50 years ago.

According to the USS Thresher Memorial web site, "Plans are well underway to dedicate a memorial to the sailors and civilians lost in the worst submarine disaster in U.S. history with over $56,000 cash and in-kind commitments raised toward the initial $72,000 cost."

When finished, memorial organizers say there will be a 129-foot flagpole at Kittery Memorial Circle, showcased by top-mounted lights 24 hours a day. They say it will also rise from a rounded black granite base surrounded by landscaping ornamentation for a stately tribute, powerful in its simplicity. 

"The flagpole height will serve as a permanent reminder of the 129 men who perished that morning, ensuring they will never be forgotten in the town where Thresher was built and homeported," reads the web site.

Currently, the Town of Kittery and the Maine Department of Transportation are planning road, sidewalk, and bridge improvements in the immediate area including a storm water management rain garden that will create an open line of sight between Memorial Circle and the project's proposed Circle of Honor adjacent to Kittery Town Hall, according to the web site.

The USS Thresher was constructed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine before it embarked on maiden voyage on April 10, 1963. Somewhere off of Cape Cod, Mass., the vessel took on water and sank, making it one of the worst submarine tragedies in U.S. Naval history. Every Memorial Day, a special ceremony is held at the Albacore Park in Portsmouth to honor all of the submariners who lost their lives, including the men who perished on the USS Thresher.

Support for the project is also gaining some momentum at Portsmouth City Hall after the City Council unanimously approved a resolution to support the memorial. Councilors referred the request from the USS Thresher Memorial group to the city's Veterans Reorganization Committee for further review.

Meetings:

Kittery Port Authority, Thursday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Kittery Town Hall closed, Columbus Day, Oct. 8.

Kittery Town Council, Oct. 10, 7 p.m., Town Hall

Kittery Town Hall closed on Friday, Oct. 5.

Events:

Kittery Premium Outlets Pink Event: During the month of October, shoppers can visit the on-site Information Center at Kittery Premium Outlets to donate $10 to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and then enjoy a rewarding day of shopping at the Premium Outlets® Pink Event.

KTP bicycle rides: Every Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m., Kittery Trading Post guides will lead bicyclists on a coastal ride in town and newcomers are welcome.

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