The public is invited to attend a ceremony in the cemetery of Christ Church to mark the 200th anniversary of a historical naval engagement and to honor the resting place of one of the nation’s earliest naval heroes.
The presentation and military salute will take place at 11 a.m. Sept. 14 near the gravesite of Capt. Edward McCall. Those in attendance will recognize the naval action off Portland, Maine in 1812 when an American vessel fought off a British ship and won for the first time.
This historic naval battle inflicted mortal wounds on the English Capt. Blyth and also the American commander, William Burrows II. Lt. Edward McCall took command of the American vessel, completed a successful engagement and sailed the USS Enterprise to safe harbor in Maine.
Lt. McCall, who was later promoted to captain, received a letter of commendation from the secretary of the Navy and the Congressional Gold Medal for the capture of the British vessel, the HMS Boxer.
For more information about the ceremony, contact Ellen Wehrman at 609-298-7699.
