A unusual stop for the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spar on Tuesday morning. She anchored right in the ship canal under the lift bridge, so members could pay respects to BM1 Edgar Culbertson.

57 years ago, April 30, 1967, there was a fierce storm in Duluth. Waves swept the three Halverson boys into the water off the pier.

Three members of the Coast Guard volunteered to search for them. On their way back, another wave carried Culbertson into the water as well. Despite gallant efforts by his comrade, he too perished.

This became known as Black Sunday in Duluth.

His friend, Captain Tom Mackay, has honored and remembered Culbertson and the three boys on the anniversary each year.

Mackay has passed on. Now the Coast Guard has taken over, and is working on making it a formal event.

His sister, Mary Mackay Gaidis, said he would be thrilled to see the turnout and the Spar there.

Mackay’s grand-nephew, Wyatt, placed roses on the plaque that honors Culbertson on the pier.