BANGOR, Maine — The cause of the explosion that sank the battleship USS Maine 117 years ago in Havana Harbor remains a mystery.
But for those who gathered on Friday at Bangor’s Davenport Park to remember the sinking, the cause of the disaster that claimed 260 lives was not the important issue.
“The fact is that we lost a lot of sailors whether it was an accident or whether it was an attack, and this is just a way to remember the fallen sailors,” said Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars Cmdr. Ronald Smith.
More than a dozen veterans turned out for the annual ceremony, laying wreaths by the USS Maine monument, which includes the shield and scrollwork salvaged from the bow of the sunken battleship.
Three-quarters of the ship’s officers and crew died when a mysterious explosion sent it to the bottom of Havana Harbor on Feb. 13, 1898. The ship had been sent to Cuba to protect American interests in the Cuban Revolt against Spain.
While an inquiry board was unable to determine the cause of the explosion, popular opinion — and inflammatory news articles — blamed Spain, hastening America’s entrance into the conflict.
America’s resulting victory in the Spanish-American War gave the United States authority over Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines.
“‘Remember the Maine’ became the rallying cry which catapulted America onto the world stage and into a war which resulted in the vastly expanded U.S. interest worldwide,” said Bangor City Council Chairman Nelson Durgin. “It’s fitting that we’re here today in 2015 to remember all of those who have made the supreme sacrifice for our freedom.”
Those attending Friday’s ceremony included Robert Coles of Machias, who served as chief radioman aboard the destroyer USS Bagley during World War II.
Coles said he survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and that he shot at and hit the first two Japanese torpedo bombers to pass the Bagley, though neither plane was downed by the fire.
The USS Bagley was named for Ensign Worth Bagley, the only U.S. Navy officer killed during the Spanish-American War.
Follow Evan Belanger on Twitter at @evanbelanger.