We Pause to Remember

Image Credit:  Michael Howard - We Report Space

Kennedy Space Center, FL. – Today, January 23, 2025, NASA paused and took time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of space exploration. The Day of Remembrance is an annual event that is open to the public on the grounds of the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Center. As in years past, each attendee receives a flower they can place by the Space Mirror at the conclusion of the ceremony to pay respects to the fallen heroes who gave all in the pursuit of space.

Image Credit:  Michael Howard - We Report Space

Each year, NASA holds this ceremony around the anniversaries of the Apollo 1 fire that occurred during a test that resulted in the loss of the three astronauts on January 27, 1967. The loss of Challenger and the STS-51L crew during ascent after launching from LC-39A on January 28, 1986 and the loss of Columbia and her STS-107 crew when the shuttle broke apart during re-entry on February 1, 2003. While we remember these heroes, there were others that gave this ultimate sacrifice and they too are remembered during this moment of reflection each year.

Thad Altman - Astronaut Memorial Foundation                Image Credit:  Michael Howard - 
We Report Space

In a statement from NASA: “On NASA’s Day of Remembrance, we pause to reflect on the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of the extraordinary individuals who pushed the boundaries of exploration and discovery,” said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free. “Their legacies remind us of the profound responsibility we have to carry their dreams forward while ensuring safety remains our guiding principle.”

Tal Ramon and Thad Altman at the Memorial Mirror after the ceremony    Image Credit: Michael Howard - We Report Space

NASA centers around the country also hold remembrance ceremonies including Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. where Administer Jim Free will be leading the ceremony at the Arlington portion of the day’s events. This will also include a wreath laying ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

This morning’s ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center‘s Visitor Center was moved indoors due to rainy and rather cold conditions. Yet despite these dreary conditions, the wreath was still presented at the memorial mirror to honor the fallen heros.

Leading the ceremony was Thad Altman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Office of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation. Opening this morning’s ceremony was the Brevard County Fire Rescue Honor Guard and a singing of the Nation Anthem was sung by LeRoy Darby of Faith Temple Church and Rev. Scott Circe of the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church gave the opening invocation.

Kelvin Manning- Acting K.S.C. Director                Image Credit:  Micael Howard - We Report Space

Speaking on behalf of Kennedy Space Center was Kelvin Manning, Acting Center Director. “Every year we gather to pay tribute to the lives lost in the pursuit of exploration and knowledge…for each of the audacious goals for which we aspire and each of the successes yet before us, we owe a debt of gratitude to the crew of Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia and to all who lost their lives in the advancement of science and exploration.”

 

Eileen Collins, Col. USAF and NASA Astronaut Ret.          Image Credit:  Michael Howard - We Report Space

Tal Ramon, the son of the late Ilan Ramon          Image Credit:  Michael Howard - We Report Space

Also speaking at today’s service were Eileen Collins, Col. USAF and NASA Astronaut Ret. and Tal Ramon, the son of the late Ilan Ramon who lost his life aboard Columbia and the STS-107 mission. Eileen spoke about Michael Alsbury a non-NASA and government astronaut who lost his life aboard the Virgin Galactic “Spaceship 2” named Enterprise. His name has been added to the Memorial Mirror. Tal Ramon spoke about his late father who was a hero to him as a young boy growing up knowing that his father was and is an inspiration to his nation of Israel.

Bob Cabana former Astronaut and Associate NASA Administrator placing a flower at the Memorial Mirror  Image Credit:  Michael Howard - We Report Space 

Closing the today’s ceremony was Dr. Shaun Ferguson of Faith Temple Christian Center giving the closing prayer and Violinist Char Good playing America the Beautiful and presenting the wreath at today’s remembrance ceremony were Thad Altman, Kelvin Manning, Tal Ramon and Sheryl Chaffee.  Story and Images by:  Michael Howard for We Report Space