PORTLAND WGME – A memorial dedication for a War of 1812 veteran took place Saturday in Portland at Eastern Cemetery.
Folks gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Samuel Drinkwater, a US Navy pilot aboard the USS Enterprise.
That ship defeated the HMS Boxer, a British vessel, right off the coast of Maine.
Organizers say today is to celebrate those that are sometimes overlooked in history.
“And yet the captains are remembered in history, you know the common men aren’t all the time,” said SMCC professor Herb Adams. “We were sad to find that this gentleman’s grave had been unmarked and forgotten.”
Organizers say this is a day to thank Drinkwater.
Veterans of the Airforce, Navy, and Army came out to help honor and a descendant of Drinkwater was there as well.
Organizers describe the ceremony as a way to celebrate all Americans.
