I’m sitting beneath the Space Shuttle Atlantis. My eyes burn and my heart aches with pride and sadness. Our country worked so hard and sacrificed so much to conquer space. There are not words to accurately express the wash of emotions I have felt today. Poignant sadness at the reminders of those we have lost. Soaring joy and excitement at the recreation of the moon landing. Awe at the majestic positioning of Atlantis in her final home. Sadness that a generation of children won’t have a chance to experince the impressive launches I grew up with. Pride that my dad was a part of this program. Hope that Jessie’s story will inspire others to further our space adventure. Humbled at the wonderous creation God gave us.
The courage and ingenuity of those who brought our space program so far makes me proud to be an American. From the last Apollo mission to the first Space Shuttle launch was almost ten years and I wonder how long it will not be before we return to space.