State Representative John Roth | Michigan House Republicans
State Representative John Roth | Michigan House Republicans
State Representative John Roth has led the Michigan House in passing a resolution to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The measure received broad, bipartisan support from lawmakers.
Roth, who represents Interlochen, spoke about the significance of the freighter and its role in Michigan’s history. “The Edmund Fitzgerald was more than just a ship; she was ‘the pride of the American side,’ a mighty freighter that braved the vast and unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes,” Roth said. “Whereas this 50th anniversary stands as not only a remembrance of those who perished, but also a tribute to Michigan’s maritime history, the bravery of Great Lakes sailors past and present, and the communities whose livelihoods depend on shipping in commerce across these inland seas.”
The Edmund Fitzgerald was launched in River Rouge, Michigan on June 8, 1958. At its launch, it was recognized as the largest freighter operating on the Great Lakes at 729 feet long. The ship became a symbol of American shipbuilding achievements and reflected Michigan’s industrious character.
The vessel sank on November 10, 1975 during a severe storm on Lake Superior. All 29 crew members lost their lives in one of the most well-known maritime disasters in Great Lakes history.
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