Generally speaking, having ‘do you remember where you were when ___ ‘ moments tend to mark tragedies rather than triumphs. And that is certainly true today. I remember that I was completing a Master’s project and contemplating whether to head to work or become a permanent student and living in the fraternity house in January of 2006. We had moved the big TV to the living room in anticipation of the Super Bowl, and a bunch of us were huddled around to watch the Challenger launch. It was a light scene, quickly becoming confused and then quiet when it became clear what had happened.
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the day when a brave young teacher joined with six astronauts in a mission that was meant to be historical for one reason … but became historic for another.
So take a moment today to remember the crew of Challenger. And also remember the Apollo I crew, who died tragically 44 years ago yesterday, and all those who have lost their lives in the noble pursuit of knowledge beyond our atmosphere in the hopes of improving our lives and making a difference for our world.
