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HR 213

A Resolution recognizing June 19, 2025, as "Juneteenth Independence Day" in Pennsylvania in commemoration of June 19, 1865, the date on which slavery was abolished finally in all regions of the United States.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Boyd and 26 co-sponsors

Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald sinking, honors the 29 crew, and promotes remembrance, education, and public ceremonies across the Great Lakes.

Referred to State Government
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 213

Summary — H.R. 213: A resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald

Status: Adopted
Introduced: January 6, 2025
Primary sponsors (as listed): Kevin Kiley; Sandra Scott; Doreen Carter; Derrick Jackson; Rhonda Burnough; Kim Schofield; Mekyah McQueen; Abdelnasser Rashid; Alonzo Knox

Note: the source file contained multiple unrelated resolutions that share the designation “H.R. 213.” This summary addresses the commemorative resolution titled “A resolution to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” which was adopted by the House.

Purpose and intent

The resolution formally commemorates the 50th anniversary (November 10, 2025) of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior, honors the 29 crew members who perished, and encourages remembrance, education, and public ceremonies to preserve the vessel’s legacy.

Key provisions

  • Recognizes November 10, 2025, as the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald sinking.
  • Honors the 29 crew members (including Captain Ernest M. McSorley and First Mate Michael J. Armagost) and their service to the Great Lakes maritime industry.
  • Notes the historical and cultural significance of the wreck, including memorial work at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Gordon Lightfoot’s song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”
  • Encourages citizens, organizations, and institutions—particularly in the Great Lakes region—to observe the anniversary through acts of remembrance, education, and reflection.
  • Requests wide distribution of the resolution, reads at ceremonies and gatherings, and that a permanent record be kept as a tribute.

Who is affected / Impact

  • Primarily ceremonial and symbolic: families of the crew, maritime communities, museums, historical societies, and residents of the Great Lakes region.
  • No regulatory, funding, or operational mandates; it aims to promote memory, education, and public observance.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced Jan 6, 2025; referred to relevant committees; placed on congratulatory & memorial calendar.
  • Read and adopted by the House (various procedural entries show readings, placement on calendars, and final adoption on March 6 and subsequent enrollment actions); enrolled and signed by the Speaker and presented to the Secretary of State per House rules.
  • The resolution is non-binding and declaratory in nature.

Legal effect

  • This is a commemorative (simple) resolution. It carries no force of law, does not create new rights or obligations, and does not appropriate funds. Its effect is symbolic and educational.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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