On Tuesday, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The event is being hosted by the U.S. Navy to honor the sinking of USS Eagle 56, a Navy patrol vessel that was torpedoed by a German submarine during World War II. The ceremony will start at 11 a.m., as per a town news release.
The sinking of the USS Eagle occurred off the coast of Cape Elizabeth on April 23, 1945, resulting in the loss of 49 sailors while 13 were rescued. This tragic event took place towards the end of World War II when Germany surrendered just two weeks later on May 7, 1945, and Japan followed suit on September 2, 1945, officially bringing an end to the war.
The wreath-laying ceremony serves as a tribute to the brave sailors who lost their lives and a reminder of the sacrifices made during this significant period in history. It is an opportunity for people to pay their respects and honor those who gave their lives in service to their country.
The plaque memorializing the USS Eagle is located on the south side of the Portland Head Light driveway at Fort Williams Park. It will serve as a focal point for the ceremony and provide context for those attending.
Overall, this wreath-laying ceremony is an important event that highlights the bravery and sacrifice of military personnel during World War II. It serves as a reminder that freedom comes with great cost and that we must always honor those who gave their lives in defense of our nation.