Welcome

On April 10, 1963, USS THRESHER (SSN 593) was lost in the Gulf of Maine during a post-overhaul test dive along with the 129 gallant crew, officers, Shipyard employees, and civilian contractors.  This tragic loss led directly to significant changes in the Navy’s submarine safety programs that have kept the nation’s submariners safe ever since.   The men of THRESHER are true Cold War American heroes whose sacrifice we honor.

Thresher Memorial Flagpole on US Route One at Kittery Memorial Circle.
The flagpole was dedicated in a moving and magnificent ceremony on April 7th, 2013.
It is a stately tribute, powerful in its simplicity.  

The flagpole height serves 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.

Kittery Memorial Park on Rogers Road, just east of the Thresher Memorial Flagpole and Memorial Circle, next to Kittery Town Hall. 

In addition to its memorial honoring those who perished when THRESHER was lost, Memorial Park is also intended to support future memorials to Kittery citizens who have served the Town, State or Nation - veterans, first responders, and Peace Corps volunteers.  

Irene Harvey Flagpole behind Thresher Monument, 
on the Circle of Honor in Memorial Park.

USS THRESHER Historical Marker in Memorial Park, 
looking toward Thresher Memorial Flagpole in Memorial Circle.