Pictured is a Great Lakes freighter offloading iron ore taconite.

 

The Edmund Fitzgerald was carrying over 26,000 tons of iron ore en route to Detroit when she met with tragedy 411 miles short of reaching her destination.  

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In addition to receiving an Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim commemorative jersey, swim cap, and bumper sticker in your swag bag, you will be awarded a one-of-a-kind 50th anniversary plaque to recognize your participation in this historic event.  Your unique award is a large personalized 14x18 Mohagany plaque with 29 embedded iron ore pellets forming the number “50.”  These 29 pellets represent each crew member who went down with the ship, and are from the same dock in Superior, Wisconsin, where the Edmund Fitzgerald took on her last load.  This keepsake is a fitting honor to all those who contribute to symbolically completing the route and cargo delivery for the 29 men who perished aboard the "Big Fitz."