UPDATE: Today, November 10, marks the somber anniversary of the sinking of the Great Lakes freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. A severe storm on Lake Superior claimed the lives of all 29 crew members, a tragedy still remembered across the nation.
This catastrophic event occurred during one of the worst storms in the Great Lakes’ history, generating waves over 30 feet high. The Fitzgerald was en route from Superior, Wisconsin to Detroit, Michigan when it met its tragic fate, prompting ongoing memorials and tributes every year.
On this date, we also honor other significant historical events. In 1775, the U.S. Marines were organized, laying the foundation for one of the country’s most revered military branches.
Additionally, in 1898, the Wilmington Coup unfolded in Wilmington, North Carolina, where a mob of up to 2,000 white supremacists violently overthrew local governance, marking a dark chapter in U.S. history.
Today also celebrates milestones in popular culture. In 1969, the beloved children’s show Sesame Street premiered, transforming educational television.
As we reflect on these pivotal moments, we also remember the recent events that have shaped our communities. The resignation of Bolivia’s first indigenous president, Evo Morales, in 2019, followed weeks of protests, highlights the ongoing struggles for democracy and representation worldwide.
In more recent history, 2021 saw Kyle Rittenhouse taking the stand in a high-profile murder trial, which sparked national debates on self-defense and gun rights.
As we observe this day, let us remember the human stories behind these events. The legacy of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald reminds us of the perils faced by those who navigate our waters and the enduring impact of history on our present.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to reflect on these significant anniversaries and their relevance in today’s society.