High Flight by wysiwig
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Description
The roar of the engines washes over you as the great vessel rises on a pillar of fire and smoke. A voice inside you shouts GO! GO! GO! And because nothing is certain, there are no guarantees; your prayers are with those on board. And then the live feed from the control center announces separation of the solid rocket boosters and you know that, for now, the Shuttle is safe.
In the 1980’s I worked with two managers who defied the common stereotype of today’s corporate managers. Steve Cunningham and Greg Jarvis were smart, effective and caring. In those early days of the Space Shuttle NASA was anxious to include civilian members in their flight crews. Steve was chosen to fly and Greg became his backup. It was like a beauty pageant. If, for any reason, the winner were unable to perform his duties the runner up would assume those duties. They trained together at Astronaut school and looked forward to the day when Steve would take that once in a lifetime ride into space.
Poor, unlucky, Steve. Days before the mission he came down with the flu, he could not go. While sorry for his friend, Greg was excited. His time had come and on January 28, 1986 he would become a member of mission STS 51-L along with teacher in space Christa McAuliffe, and five others for the ultimate E-Ticket ride aboard the Challenger Space Shuttle.
There is a memorial to Greg in Hermosa Beach, California on the beach he loved so well.
http://sites-of-memory.de/main/gregjarvis.html
These are not pictures of Challenger.
Comments (14)
auntietk
Your images and text, along with the poem, make for a moving presentation. Beautifully done!
myrrhluz
I didn't think anything could follow that last shot, but this is wonderful. Excellent composition of photos and quote. An exciting experience and how well you have let us share in it. January 28, 1986. One of those days you remember where you were and what you were doing. I was in Biloxi, Ms. with the TV on and a jigsaw puzzle on the table. I can close my eyes and remember all the details of the room, and the leaden feeling that sank into my soul. Thank you for your memory of Steve Cunningham and Greg Jarvis and for the link.
flavia49
great collage and very moving story / history!
lucindawind
fabulous shots . . that day was so sad
Faemike55
That was a very sad day!
Sea_Dog
Amazing work! Great images and superb narrative.
hipps13
Beautiful work and as I read shook a bit for the loss and signs of life have a great weekend warm hugs, Linda
moochagoo
Really amazing !
durleybeachbum
I love that poem.
sandra46
excellent work!!!!
elfin14doaks
I remember that tragedy so well. My former Science teacher was in the running for that.
psyoshida
I have read that poem before, it's lovely to be reminded of it again. It's stunningly appropriate with your photo series above. I do remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard about the tragedy and the total disbelief and horror I felt at the time. Wonderful presentation and a solemn reminder of that day and the loss to all. Thanks for posting this and for the website link. We should not forget.
tennesseecowgirl
I remember that day very well, I know as a nation we were all stunned, and saddened.
mariogiannecchini
Excellent work ! Beautiful images and poem !