We Pause to Remember

Stock Image By: Michael Howard - We Report Space

Kennedy Space Center, FL. – Today, January 22, 2026, 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. 

Stock Image By: Michael Howard - We Report Space

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. This year’s remembrance was inside the Atlantis Display at the visitor’s center followed by a wreath laying and the placement of flowers by those in attendance.

Stock Image By: 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. This year, 2026 marks the 40th year since the loss the Space Shuttle Challenger.

Stock Image By: Michael Howard - We Report Space

In a statement from NASA: “On NASA’s Day of Remembrance, we pause to honor the members of the NASA family who lost their lives while pushing the boundaries of exploration and discovery,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “We remember them not to retreat from risk, but to respect it — to learn, to improve, and continue onward. Their sacrifice and the strength of their families will forever inspire us as we continue to reach for the stars and pursue the secrets of the universe.”

Stock Image By: Michael Howard - We Report Space

NASA centers around the country also hold remembrance ceremonies including Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. This will also include a wreath laying ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

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 Sheriff Honor Guard followed by the playing and singing of the National Anthem by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and vocalist Theresa Guirola. Reverend John Britto Anthony, Pastor of the St. John the Evangelist in Viera, FL. gave the opening invocation.

Speakers at today’s observance included remarks by Kelvin Manning, Deputy Director: Kennedy Space Center, Bob Cabana, former astronaut, NASA associate administrator and Kennedy Space Center Director. In a statement by Kelvin Manning: “Good Morning. At this year’s NASA Day of Remembrance, we come together to mark forty years since the loss of the space shuttle Challenger and the seven remarkable crew members who perished on January 28, 1986 73 seconds after launch. Though four decades have passed, the memories of that moment remain vivid in our hearts.”

Closing the today’s ceremony was a moment of silence and a prayer by the Reverend John Britto Anthony.

Story By: Michael Howard – We Report Space

Stock Images By: Michael Howard – We Report Space