Historic Final Launch of Endeavour Space Shuttle

FIRST PERSON | NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- The glorious Space Shuttle Endeavour made her final mission into the wild blue yonder at 8:56 a.m. this morning. It's not every day one gets to be part of history, but I was fortunate enough to bury my toes in the sand of the Atlantic Ocean coastline in New Smyrna Beach and witness history in the making.

The final launch of Endeavour went off without a hitch. Hundreds stood together in silence and unity as all eyes focused on the bright orange glow spewing from the vessel taking the six brave astronauts into space.

Upon lift-off the crowd cheered wildly, as if they were attending a sporting event. Complete strangers hugged one another in joy and excitement as Team USA claimed victory to another mission into space.

Watching the space shuttle was an emotional experience. Knowing the space program is ending leaves an empty feeling inside. I have vivid childhood memories of watching the Apollo 11 moon landing on TV with my family back in 1969.

For years, I'd sit glued to the television watching every lift-off. I sobbed when Virgil "Gus" Grissom and his crew died in the fire of the Apollo 1 mission and grieved for the astronauts that lost their lives when Space Shuttle Challenger blew up.

Since 2006, I've watched multiple space shuttle launches from the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. The most glorious event was the night launch of Endeavour back in February 2010. The entire sky lit up as if it were the most magnificent sunrise and brought the realization of the power required to launch the ingenious mechanical machine into the stratosphere.

I'm always amazed at the number of people who gather for the launches. What's even more amazing is the unity the space program has brought to Americans. When people stand together and witness the enormous vessel spewing its bright orange ball and later drops the rocket boosters and floats through the air like a balloon it evokes a feeling of joy and accomplishment.

The complexity of space missions has always fascinated me and I will miss watching the glorious time travel capsule heading off to explore the universe. Losing the space program will harshly impact Florida's revenue and has led to the loss of more jobs in an area that can't afford further unemployment.

It was a bittersweet experience watching Endeavour exit for her final voyage. Not only does it signify an end to the program, it takes away a piece of American pride.

There will be no more beach parties where people from all walks of life gather to celebrate our accomplishments. There will be no more space shuttle parties at local restaurants and bars where people gather to clink glasses together for cheer and goodwill. There will be no more space shuttle program at all and that is a tragedy.

The final space shuttle launch is scheduled for early July 2011 when Space Shuttle Atlantis heads to the International Space Station to deliver supplies and spare parts. I'll be at the beach with my toes in the sand as I salute the final voyage and honor all the astronauts who have dedicated their lives to the exploration of space.