[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 21, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS OF THE S.S. ``EASTLAND'' DISASTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 21, 2015

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I stand 
before you today to pay tribute to the victims of the S.S. Eastland 
disaster, which occurred in Chicago 100 years ago. On the centennial of 
this solemn event, the family of one of the victims, Anna Kubiak, will 
lay down a ceremonial wreath in remembrance of Anna and the other 
victims of the disaster. The S.S. Eastland Memorial dedication ceremony 
will take place at the Old Lighthouse Museum in Michigan City, Indiana, 
on July 25, 2015.
   The S.S. Eastland disaster occurred on the morning of July 24, 1915, 
near the Clark Street Bridge in Chicago, Illinois. The S.S. Eastland 
was chartered by the Western Electric Company to transport employees, 
families, and friends across Lake Michigan to Michigan City for a day 
of celebration that was to include food, a parade, sporting events, and 
other festivities.
   Unfortunately, the S.S. Eastland never left the Chicago River that 
tragic morning. While the S.S. Eastland was still docked, it slowly 
began to roll over into the river with more than 2,500 passengers and 
crew members on board. Eight hundred and forty-four people lost their 
lives in the disaster, including twenty-two complete families, and many 
more were injured. The immense loss sustained that day will be recalled 
by generations to come, and the tragedy of that fateful morning will be 
remembered as one of the most catastrophic maritime events in American 
history.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commemorating the centennial anniversary of the S.S. Eastland 
disaster. We honor the victims and their families as we remember this 
devastating day in our nation's history. I would like to commend the 
efforts of the many people who dedicated their time and efforts to make 
the S.S. Eastland Memorial dedication ceremony possible.

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