Mackinaw City Host To First Festival
MACKINAW CITY, MI -- 45 years ago today, 10 men died in a shipwreck near the Mackinac Bridge.
Friday, there was a Memorial Service that honored those lives lost.
Even the wind couldn't stop the tune of Amazing Grace on this cold day to reflect on a tragic event that happened in 1965.
Families of those who lost their lives and some who survived gathered aboard the retired Coast Guard Cuter Mackinaw for a memorial service.
"I hope it made the people happy, today, that they remember, they know that somebody cares," said Master of Ceremonies Bill Baumann.
After colliding with a ship in the Straits of Mackinac, the SS Cedarville sank 45 years ago, and with it, 10 lives were lost.
“To show husbands, loved ones, brothers, fathers, whoever they might be, are still in memories, and are not forgotten," announced Baumann.
The men who lost their lives on the ship were memorialized by the tolling of the bells on the retired Cutter. Brian Haske's father, Stanley Haske, Junior, was one of those who died.
“There's pictures of his body and another body aboard right here on the Mackinaw, so it's wonderful too that we still have the Mackinaw too, that brings back memories as well," said Haske.
The Cutter also means a lot to Bob Bingle, whose life she helped save.
“This is a wonderful, wonderful program, I'd like to see them do it every year," said Bingle.
“They always say let's not forget people, and that's what it's all about," said Baumann.
The Mackinaw Maritime Festival continues tomorrow at 10 with tours of the state of the art "green" Straits State Harbor and of Mackinaw Historic Village.
