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The most moving part of the service for me, and I'm sure most, was Dr. Jan Davis' brief remarks about each of the astronauts that she had known personally.  It was moving to see how deep her sorrow was, for she had not only lost the astronauts as we all had, but she'd lost seven friends. 

She remembered how nine years ago at this time, she herself was in space.  She recalled David's blue eyes and that he loved flying so much he lived on an air strip.

She had flown with him many times in Texas, where his mother would meet them and drive them somewhere to eat.  On one occasion, he had spotted a purple car in the parking lot and remarked, "Who would buy a purple car?"  Jan smiled as she recalled that the car turned out to be his mother's.  She remembered how Mike was regal and Laurel was a professional who she had a soft side.  She and Laurel exercised together in the mornings.  Dr. Davis observed that Ilan had no trouble fitting in with the six Americans.  Rick was playful and liked to fly T38 jets. 

Davis said that she was closes to Kalpana (K.C.), who had a sparkle in her eye and an infectious laugh.  Dr. Davis was able to make these seven come alive for us in their death.  She assured us that the seven had been a strong team and that they were having a ball in space.    She said that all astronauts and their families are well aware of the risks they take when they go into space, but it was something that is never talked about.  These seven died doing what they loved to do and would have wanted the space program to continue.  They accepted the risks and dedicated themselves to the scientific challenges of space.

We were reminded that there is so much more to do in space and there is a new generation of scientists and astronauts out there.  Bud Cramer reminded us that in a time when it's difficult to find or have heroes,  these astronauts were America's heroes.  Later, it was pointed out that Dr. Jan Davis was our local hero.  She lives and works in Huntsville and is someone much admired in the community. 

Space has intrigued humans still the beginning of time.  Huntsville plays an important role in the nation's exploration of space and will continue to do so in the future.  But for now, we had to pause, gather together and mourn a loss in our family.       

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©2002 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com
Photo ©2002 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com