With a traditional ceremony along the waters that frame McKeesport, the city will remember the ship that bore its name.

The SS McKeesport committee invites area residents and veterans to celebrate the Merchant Marine ship's service and solemnly reflect on its sinking. April 29 marks the 70th anniversary of the SS McKeesport's final voyage. On that date in 1943, on its way back to New York from Liverpool, England, the 6,198-ton steel vessel was torpedoed by a German U-boat 500 miles off the coast of Newfoundland.

“I think the history of the SS McKeesport is one of the best kept secrets in the Mon Valley,” chairman Robert A. Sokol said.

“The ship, the SS McKeesport, when I first learned about it ... I was a little surprised that a ship had been named for our city. I was educated on it by an old seaman, a Merchant Mariner.”

Sokol recalled looking over a history book with the late Pete Salvo, who McKeesporters affectionately referred to as “the Captain.”

“I was totally surprised and intrigued,” he said. “I thought that if I didn't know about it, there had to be a lot of people who didn't know.”

Sokol and a handful of friends learned the ship was built in part with steel made in McKeesport. It was launched into United States government service in 1919 from a New Jersey shipyard.

It served in World War II under the command of Capt. Oscar John Lohr.

“The SS McKeesport is truly a great source of pride to the city and its residents,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said. “It's extremely important to keep recognizing the SS McKeesport and its contributions to World War II.”

Local veterans, with Sokol taking the lead, recognized that value at the turn of the millennium as they planned an event to remember the ship and share it's history.

What started with a small wreath ceremony has grown into an annual event that includes participation from state, county and local government leaders; veterans groups from McKeesport and surrounding communities; and McKeesport Area High School students.

This year's event will be highlighted by speeches from three local veterans.

“This is an opportunity to let people know more about how these guys did a great job and served their country and served McKeesport,” Sokol said. “They are McKeesport pride.”

Dr. Harry Lanauze, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, and Michael J. Melosky, who served in the Army, will speak of their World War II service. Army veteran Nick Johnson will speak of his time in Vietnam.

“It's nice to have McKeesport veterans share their stories,” Sokol said.

“A lot of people didn't live to tell their stories. Others don't like to open up. Our speakers are willing to discuss their experiences — the good and the bad.”

“It's nice to know that they're still remembering things that happened when we were younger,” said Clifford W. Flegal Sr., who at 92 remains active in McKeesport's veterans activities. “This will give today's young people insight on what happened years ago. It will give them some American pride.”

Sokol said he hopes the SS McKeesport ceremony will continue for years to come with help from younger generations of veterans and historians.

“It's important to let the new generations of McKeesporters know what this city is all about,” he said.

Jennifer R. Vertullo is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-664-9161, ext. 1956, or jvertullo@tribweb.com.

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