| On a beautiful sunny morning, the
new space shuttle memorials were officially dedicated on Saturday,
June 5th, 2004 at Ken Adam Park in Lompoc. The dedication ceremony
was held before about 100 spectators on a mesa overlooking the
Lompoc Valley.
Councilmember Will Schuyler, the coordinator of the shuttle
memorial project, served as the master of ceremonies. The memorial
features monterey cypress trees for each astronaut that lost
their life in both the Challenger and Columbia space missions.
Two heavy duty bronze plaques were also erected that pay tribute
to each mission.
Guest speakers included the following:
Phil Smith, California Space Grant Foundation NASA Aero Group
Lt. Col. Glenn Fetter, 30th Launch Group Commander
Robert Wyckoff, NASA, JFK Space Center, VAFB
Mayor Dick DeWees, City of Lompoc
The colors were presented by the VAFB Honor Guard and the talented
Patriot Voices from VAFB sang several songs.
Councilmember Will Schuyler also recognized Chris Pike, a Lompoc
Eagle Scout, for provided much of the labor force needed to
make the project improvements. Mr. Schuyler also recognized
the many financial donors that were present that generated over
$3,000.00 towards the project.
A reception luncheon was held immediately following the dedication
at the Pioneer Space Center in Lompoc. For more information
about the space shuttle memorials, please contact the City's
parks and recreation department at 875-8100.
|
