Fairport Harbor Historical Society holding Edmund Fitzgerald remembrance ceremony -The News-Herald
Published by: The News-Herald
By:Bill DeBus
Original article found here
The Fairport Harbor Historical Society will conduct a remembrance ceremony to observe the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Great Lakes freighter The Edmund Fitzgerald.
This program will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at Fairport Harbor Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7754, 540 New St.
The Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior on Nov. 10,1975, during “an early winter storm complete with hurricane force winds and dangerously high waves,” a cbsnews.com story stated.
All 29 crew members of the Fitzgerald were killed when the ship plunged 530 feet to the bottom of Lake Superior in Canadian waters, about 17 miles northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan.
The Nov. 10 event in Fairport Harbor will highlight two of the community’s connections to The Edmund Fitzgerald.
Edward Bindon, a resident of the village, served as Fitzgerald’s first assistant engineer. He was 47 years old when he died during the shipwreck.
Bindon was “a popular figure in town” and played sports as a teenager at Fairport Harding High School, the Fairport Harbor Historical Society stated in a Facebook post. He will remembered during the ceremony, the society added.
In addition, Fairport Harbor resident Bill Simko, who sailed on the Fitzgerald before its final voyage, will talk about his experiences as a crew member.
Simko also plans to share many of the photos that he took while working aboard the ship.
Meanwhile, Fairport Harbor Village Council approved a commendation at its Oct. 21 meeting that marked the 50th anniversary of the Fitzgerald tragedy.
“The Edmund Fitzgerald has become an enduring symbol of courage and sacrifice to those who work the Great Lakes, and its story continues to resonate deeply with maritime communities across the region,” the commendation stated.
That document also specifically paid tribute to Bindon, who was described as a proud resident of the village.
“Edward Bindon’s service and dedication reflect the strength and character of Fairport Harbor’s maritime heritage, and his memory remains a source of pride and solemn reflection for his family, friends and the community, the commendation stated.