The House of Representatives of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio has adopted a resolution commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the tragic sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, which occurred on November 10, 1975. The resolution honors the twenty-nine crew members who lost their lives in the disaster, including seven from Northwest Ohio, notably Captain Ernest McSorley. The S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald was a significant vessel in the Great Lakes shipping industry, known for its size and record-setting capabilities, and its loss marked a profound moment in Ohio's maritime history.
This resolution serves to recognize the enduring legacy of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald and its crew, whose story has been immortalized in popular culture, particularly through Gordon Lightfoot's song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." The resolution emphasizes the impact of the tragedy on the families of the victims and the communities connected to the ship, ensuring that their sacrifice and service will be remembered. The Clerk of the House is tasked with transmitting copies of the resolution to Ohio's news media to further honor this significant anniversary.