Reflection in Space

Whether or not you were old enough to understand, maybe you were not even born yet, or so young you were unaware at the time . . . but today is a day of remembrance.
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Twenty-three years ago today an event occurred that deserves a moment of reflection.

Take a moment to remember those that never made it back from a space flight, let alone even into space.
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In 1986, on this day, the Space Shuttle Challenger, with seven astronauts onboard, broke apart moments after lift-off. There were flights before this one and have been many since, but an unprecedented number of young eyes were focused on this particular event due to Christa McAuliffe, the first and only member of the Teacher in Space Project. (The project was suspended in the early 1990s, but has now been revived in the private sector -- so the day may come again that another teacher will go into space.)
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January 28, 1986, may even be one of those days that stands out in your memory of being able to recall exactly where you were, what you were doing, and how you felt the moment you heard or witnessed this catastrophic event.

I know it is for me.
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My children were in grade school and the enthusiasm in the school that day was palpable. There would be television-watching and assemblies. There was celebration and excitement to off-set the bone-chilling cold of a January winter day. Teachers walked with a lighter step and a lilt in their voices, knowing one of their own was accomplishing something unique.
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But that morning changed all of that. I believe in many ways it changed how I viewed the space program. I still understand how important research has been in advancing technology, medicine, and studies on everything from aging to psychology. And I still have enthusiasm all these years laters, but it is tempered by the now highly-visual and devastating risks these astronauts put themselves in.
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So, now I'm wondering what would be the best way to remember and honor this event. Maybe say thank you to a teacher. Maybe sit quietly for a moment or two silently thanking all the astronauts for their commitment and hard work to help the rest of mankind. Or, maybe, just look skyward for a second and whisper a quiet acknowledgement.