Halverson/Culbertson Memorial Ceremony

April 30 marks the 56th anniversary of the 1967 tragic loss of the three Halverson teen brothers who were swept from the Duluth Ship Canal during a storm, along with the U.S Coast Guardsman who tried to save them. On April 30, 1967, U.S. Coast Guard Boatswain’s Mate First Class Edgar Culbertson, age 31, drowned while trying to rescue the Halverson brothers: 17-year-old Eric and 16-year-old twins Arthur and Nathan.

An annual remembrance is held every April 30 during which four roses are laid near the plaque commemorating the loss of four lives and the valiant attempt to save the teens. Steadfast and dedicated organizer of the annual event, Captain Tom Mackay, passed away in November 2021. Family and friends have vowed to carry on Capt. Tom’s dedicated efforts. He also led the effort to have the Coast Guard cutter USCGC Edgar Culbertson named in memory of his friend. The 37th Sentinel Class Cutter was launched Feb. 6, 2020, and commissioned June 11, 2020. The vessel’s home port is Galveston, Texas. Its motto is “Braving the Storm.”

Family, friends and U.S Coast Guard personnel will gather Sunday, April 30, at noon near the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center/Duluth Ship Canal for the annual remembrance ceremony. The public and members of the media are encouraged to attend.