Man to stand watch to honor those lost on the anniversary of the USS Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Monday marks the 73rd anniversary of the worst naval disaster in U.S. history, the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. One victim’s family member is doing his part to remember those lost at sea.

On Monday, someone will stand watch at the USS Indianapolis Memorial on the canal from sunrise, which is about about 6:40am, to sunset, approximately 9 pm Monday night. Despite the long hours, the man guy doing it, Michael Emery, says standing watch is a way to honor those who served and honor those names on that wall. Emery’s uncle William Friend Emery was on the boat when it sunk and his name is on the memorial.  

In total, 879 men lost their lives when the USS Indianapolis sank 73 years ago. A USS Indianapolis survivor’s reunion was last week in downtown Indy. Five of the 14 remaining survivors were in Indiana. It was also the first reunion since Paul Allen’s Vulcan research team found the USS Indianapolis on Aug.19, 2017, bringing closure to many families.

Emery’s hope for Monday is to shed some light on a dark chapter in our military history and to tell people about his hero, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.

He wants that message of sacrifice to get out to everyone. If you have questions for Emery, he will be at the memorial with information and artifacts to share. Or if you just want to come stand with him to honor those lost, you can do that all day Monday.