Where I Was When the Space Shuttle Challenger Exploded

It was January 28, 1986 and I was in grade school. I was told by the teacher that we had a special day planned, we were going to watch a space shuttle take off on t.v. Wow, I was excited and overjoyed to be able to see this, and to get to do other things then school work. There it was, they were rolling in the t.v. cart. All of us students found a seat as the teachers tuned the television to the local news channel. The picture was of a huge space shuttle getting ready to take off. 3,2,1 and it was launching toward the heavens at a great and powerful speed.

I then remember it looking like the shuttle was sort of turning, seeing all that spent rocket fuel chase the shuttle up, up, and up. Then out of what seemed no where Ka-Boom! The Challenger exploded into a thousand pieces, and the television reporters were in shock, as I did not quite know what to think. My teacher then started to tell us children that there was a very bad accident and that they were sorry we had to watch it. I was scarred, horrified, and in shock.

That one moment made me interested in space, I now look back and truly see that. That is the reason I have always looked up and wondered in amazement. Space, wow.........