Remembering the Crew of Space Shuttle Challenger

It is the 25th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger's accident. Most adults remember the incident well. The explosion was shocking. To make matters worse, it was the first time a civilian, a teacher, was allowed to go on a mission. It was a heart wrenching day for everyone.

I was in the sixth grade and living in Virginia at the time. I will never forget all the classrooms had the television on watching. As the space shuttle exploded, gasps of disbelief came from the teachers and students. Our beloved English teacher was crying. She had been one of the finalists chosen to go on the shuttle. She kept repeating "it could have been me. Her poor family."

As a grown up living in Florida, the space shuttle program is even more important. Due to the economy, we are watching it become a thing of the past. It's so important to remember the crew of the space shuttle and their families 25 years later. We need to give tribute to all of our astronauts who made a difference and are making a difference. The discovery, the technology, and even the exploration the US will be losing from losing the space shuttle program is a disgrace. Take time Friday to remember those who have given their life to get us where we are.

There will be many memorials this weekend around Central Florida. The schools are holding memorials as well. Challenger 7 named after the Space Shuttle Challenger is amongst those schools honoring the space shuttle and its crew.

Challenger 7 Elementary school in Port St. John, Florida will be holding a memorial Friday January 28th. The second grade class will be singing and has invited public officials to attend the memorial. The school is named after Space Shuttle Challenger and students want to show their pride in the school and remember the fallen astronauts the school was named in honor of.