The resolution recognizes November 10, 2025, as the 50th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a bulk cargo vessel that was launched in 1958 and became the largest ship on the Great Lakes for 13 years. On November 9, 1975, the ship embarked on its final voyage from Superior, Wisconsin, to Zug Island, Michigan, carrying over 26,000 tons of iron ore. The vessel encountered severe weather conditions, leading to Captain Ernest McSorley's last transmission before the ship disappeared from radar. The wreck was discovered a week later, resulting in the loss of all 29 crew members, including eight from Wisconsin.

The resolution emphasizes the ongoing impact of this tragedy on the families and friends of the crew members and honors the bravery of those who continue to work in the Great Lakes maritime industry. It is a solemn acknowledgment of the lives lost and the enduring legacy of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, as well as a tribute to the resilience of the maritime community.