TODAY: Young Urges Hoosiers to Join Moment of Silence for 75th Anniversary of USS Indianapolis Sinking
“They will not be forgotten – not in another 75 years, not for all time.”
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young is encouraging Hoosiers to honor the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis today by recognizing a moment of silence between 11:03 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. EDT.
“Seventy-five years have passed since the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. We will mark this anniversary fittingly: Pausing for the time it took the ship to sink – 12 minutes – to honor those lost. And while we remember them and their sacrifice, we will also recall their heroism. The selfless sailors who surrendered their lifejackets so others could live, the resolute Chief Warrant Officer and radio technicians who sank with the ship while desperately trying to send out an SOS. And the band of survivors, those who endured the blazing sun at day, and chilling cold at night. Injured and starving, swimming in the oil-slicked, shark-filled saltwater, they persevered on little more than prayers and because of each other,” said Senator Young. “There is no greater demonstration of the bravery and greatness of America’s Navy than these men. They will not be forgotten – not in another 75 years, not for all time.”
In 2017, Senator Young introduced the bipartisan USS Indianapolis Congressional Gold Medal Act torecognize and honor the crew of the USS Indianapolis for their perseverance, bravery, and service to the United States in World War II. In 2018, the President signed it into law.