“The crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for the journey and waved goodbye and ‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’ to ‘touch the face of God.’” –President Ronald Reagan, January 28, 1986
There aren't many things that I remember about elementary school, but I can say that this event is quite memorable.
I was 9 years old and in third grade when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded. Many of the students at my elementary school were excited about the launch because our first grade teacher had applied for and made it to the final interview process for the position that was given to Christa McAuliffe. All of the students assembled in the auditorium where the news coverage was projected on a larger screen.
As children who had never experienced a space shuttle launch, I don't think we knew what to expect. However, our teachers knew right away that something wasn't right when the fireball came onto the screen. At first there was silence, then they quickly escorted us from the auditorium back to our classrooms. There wasn't really any discussion about what happened.
It's hard to believe that this occurred more than 25 years ago. The memory of this tragic event is still so vivid.
Prayer: Dear God, you created us as a curious people, who yearn for knowledge of what lies beyond. You also created us as an ingenious people, who can work together to achieve great things. We thank you for those among us who help bring that creation to its full potential, and ask that you watch over them and us as we explore your creation. Amen.
Prayer Concern: Those in civil and military service.
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