TITUSVILLE, Fla. Under a gloomy gray sky, about 100 people shivered against the wind at a small seaside memorial service Friday to mark the 14th anniversary of the shuttle Challenger explosion that killed seven astronauts including teacher-in-space Christa McAuliffe .
With NASAs space shuttle pads visible on the horizon across the Indian River, residents solemnly placed a wreath of red and white carnations at the center of the Astronaut Memorial Plaza at Sand Point Park in Titusville.
Single red carnations were laid atop plaques honoring each of Challengers crew as well as the three Apollo 1 astronauts who died in a launch pad fire 33 years ago Thursday. An apple also was put on McAuliffes plaque.
"We have an obligation to respect those who lost their lives on Challenger," said Albert Koller, a former NASA program manager who now heads a local community college. "We learned our lessons through the sacrifices of those folks. When we launch (shuttle Endeavour) next Monday, well be better off because of the sacrifices that were made by those who went before."
The Titusville service, one of two held Friday in central Florida, was timed to observe a moment of silence at 11:38 a.m. EST - the moment Challenger exploded on Jan. 28, 1986. A wind-whipped 20-foot-flag was hoisted atop a five-story pole, then lowered to half-staff, as the crowd recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Flags at the Kennedy Space Center also were at half-staff Friday.
Challengers end came after 73 seconds of flight when hot gases ruptured one of its twin rocket boosters, causing it to slam into the shuttles giant orange fuel tank. The resulting inferno tore the shuttle to pieces, killing all seven aboard.
Also killed were: mission commander Francis "Dick" Scobee, rookie pilot Mike Smith and astronauts Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Ron McNair and Greg Jarvis.
A lone bugler sounded Taps as the 45-minute service ended. As if on cue, a steady rain began falling, dispersing the crowd.
"These people were heroes," Titusville resident Robert Sieck said as he walked to his car.
Sieck, who retired from NASA in 1998 after 34 years, was launch director the day Challenger flew its 10th and final flight. It was his job to give the final clearance for launch. He now is a member of NASAs Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel.
"To reflect on their mission and recognize their sacrifices is important for the country," Sieck said. "Its a reminder of the risks we take when we go out and explore space."
Also attending was astronaut David Brown, a Navy captain who joined the program in 1996 and is awaiting his first flight.
"We have not lost the vision of what the crew was trying to do," Brown said.
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