SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 84

Senator Damoose offered the following resolution:

A resolution to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald.

Whereas, On November 10, 1975, the Great Lakes freighter S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, one of the largest and most storied vessels ever to sail the inland seas, sank during a fierce storm on Lake Superior, taking with it all 29 brave souls aboard; and

Whereas, The loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald remains the deadliest tragedy in Great Lakes shipping history, a solemn reminder of both the power of nature and the courage of those who dedicate their lives to maritime commerce; and

Whereas, The men who perished that night were fathers, sons, brothers, and friends ? hardworking crewmen who embodied the grit, perseverance, and devotion that define Michigan?s maritime heritage; and

Whereas, The 29 men lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald join more than 30,000 mariners who are estimated to have perished throughout history on the Great Lakes; and

Whereas, The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald spurred improvements in maritime safety, leading to stronger regulations, enhanced ship design, and advanced weather monitoring, ensuring that the sacrifice of her crew contributed to greater protections for future generations; and

Whereas, For five decades, the memory of the Edmund Fitzgerald has been honored in Michigan and across the Great Lakes through solemn ceremonies, tolling church bells, and story telling that keeps a living legacy of those lost; and

Whereas, The people of Michigan remain forever bound to the waters of the Great Lakes, which have shaped our history, culture, and economy, and on this solemn anniversary we reaffirm our enduring respect for those who work and sacrifice upon them; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald and pay tribute to the memory of her 29 crew members, whose lives were tragically lost on November 10, 1975; and be it further

Resolved, That November 10, 2025 will be recognized as ?Edmund Fitzgerald Day? in honor of the mariners lost in that tragic event; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the families of the crew, maritime organizations, and museums dedicated to preserving the history of the Great Lakes as a lasting testament to Michigan?s reverence for the Edmund Fitzgerald and her crew.