Patriots Point hosting Battle of Okinawa memorial

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) — Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is hosting a memorial to honor fallen sailors from a historic battle on Tuesday.

Thirty-two sailors were killed in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. The USS Laffey Association is partnering with Patriots Point to host a memorial honoring those sailors. Organizers say the event will happen aboard the USS Laffey and consist of a reading of the names of the fallen, a moment of silence, and a ceremonial wreath toss on April 16 at 11:30 a.m.

April 16 is the 79th anniversary of Japanese kamikaze attacks near Okinawa. Over 80 minutes, the USS Laffey was attacked by 22 kamikaze aircraft, with seven kamikazes and four bombs hitting the ship.

Sailors onboard the USS Laffey were able to shoot down 11 Japanese planes.

“It was the fiercest attack ever survived by a U.S. Navy vessel and, for her valor, the ship was awarded the Presidential Citation and earned the sobriquet, “The Ship That Would Not Die,”” wrote Sam Elkin, spokesperson for Patriot’s Point.

Visitors attending the ceremony will have admission to the museum waived. Parking is $5.