Link to S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald

Memorable 50th Celebration on the building of the "Fitz"

We left Texas heading en route to Flat Rock, Michigan in which we traveled 1160 miles in a little over 19 hours.
The Celebration itself was wonderful. We were impressed with all the shipyard workers who built the "Fitz" along with the people who actually worked upon the boat. We enjoyed hearing all of their stories and memories that they shared with everyone. Everyone present, including those who participated in this event, enjoyed all of the speakers, workshops, exhibits and the Edmund Fitzgerald information. The celebration of the building of the "Fitz" was very emotional for some as they shared and listened to each other's stories.
It was a pleasure to meet as well as visit with Captain Don Erickson. He knew my Dad. We found out from him that he and my Dad both began sailing the Great Lakes in the same year.
I picked up Pam Johnson from the airport on Saturday morning. It was moving to finally meet her face to face after many hours of talking on the phone. Pam and I shared some special moments during our time together that we will never forget. We brought Pam Johnson home to Kansas, safe and sound. The 14-hour trip went by very fast; we shared memories, and stories of our fathers, and families the entire way.
Roscoe, his sister, speaker Tom , ship builders, and his remaining staff organized as well as accomplished their desires to have a celebration for the 50th anniversary of the building of the "Fitz". They should be proud of what they have accomplished and how successful it was despite all the setbacks and people who tried to prevent this from happening. Everyone needs to remember that this was a celebration for the workers that built this ship and not of its sinking. We were proud to be a part of it.
It was unexpected, but a welcomed pleasure for us, the son, and daughter of George "Red" Burgner and Robert "Bob" Rafferty to serve food to all that attended.
We thank you Roscoe for all of the historical visits around the Detroit and River Rouge areas.
A special thanks to Richard Orgel and his wife. We shared our table together at the event. I thoroughly enjoyed our discussions about my Dad and their experience's on the ship. You remind me so much of my Dad, he would have loved talking to you.
I want to thank all of you that called and wished my daughter a "Happy 19th Birthday" on Monday, 06-09-08. Thanks Ray Ramsey for the call, which was special.
We want to thank all the people that took the time to visit with us and listened to us share my dad's pictures along with his stories while working on the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald. If my dad were alive today, he would have attended this celebration and would have been appreciative of the turnout; he would have enjoyed talking with co-workers and shipmates. Thanks again Roscoe, for your desire & interest in providing information about the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, it is exceptional.
Respectfully,
Jeff G. & Michelle R. Burgner (Son & Granddaughter of George "Red" Burgner)

Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
A complex, roasty porter with a bittersweet, chocolate-coffee taste and bold hop presence.

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50 Year Anniversary Birthday Cake

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WDET News
Fitzgerald Builders Celebrate
Its 50th Birthday

Blanket Donation
My daughter and I donated this bed blanket from the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald to the River Rouge Historical Museum curator on 06-08-2008. This blanket was used in the guest quarters on the ship. It will be displayed along with other Edmund Fitzgerald pictures and items in the Museum. It was a pleasure to present this item and to all the people who were present for the donation, Thanks.
Michelle R. Burgner & Jeff G. Burgner, son of George "Red" Burgner

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