[The Right Stuff]

Did anyone see the remarks given by Capt. Robert Crippen? They were especially telling - I thought this tough, gruff astronaut was going to cry when talking about the ship Columbia.

It was plain to see he had a real love for her.

[NonValueAdded]

I heard rather than saw Crippen's remarks. Here is what Florida Today has:

“There’s heavy grief in our hearts, which will diminish with time, but it will never go away, and we won’t ever forget,” Crippen said, choking up as he called out the first names of the seven astronauts: Commander Rick Husband, pilot Willie McCool, payload commander Michael Anderson, payload specialist Ilan Ramon, and mission specialists Dave Brown, Kalpana “K.C.” Chawla and Laurel Clark.

The article also says 'A few drops of rain sent a wave of restlessness through the crowd, but the sun brightened the stage briefly as Florida Gov. Jeb Bush spoke.'

I've experienced the few drops of rain on more than one occasion at graveside or memorial services. I look upon it as God sharing a few tears with us. It is an immensely moving moment for me. I guess the author hasn't been similarly blessed.

I also heard the T-38's as the came up the coast prior to the fly-over. The modern sound of freedom.

See Thousands at KSC honor Columbia's 7 heroes for the local print coverage of the service.

[snopercod]

I was recording it, but had to leave the room because I seemed to have something in my eye. I left KSC three years ago, and know first hand what those good people are going through.

Maybe tomorrow I will be able to watch the entire ceremony. (I saw some of my former co-workers on the video.)

[snopercod]

Crip flew STS-1. He and John Young have cohones muy grandes, and know all about tile damage.