NASA centers across the United States will honor the lives of fallen astronauts today as part of the agency’s annual Day of Remembrance, commemorating their sacrifices in the pursuit of exploration and discovery.
Events will take place at agency centers across the country, including Johnson Space Center in Houston, Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
“On NASA’s Day of Remembrance, we pause to reflect on the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of the extraordinary individuals who pushed the boundaries of exploration and discovery,” said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free.
Free will lead the national observance at Arlington National Cemetery at 1 p.m. EST, starting with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by observances for the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia crews.
Several NASA centers will hold ceremonies, including:
- Johnson Space Center (Houston): At 10 a.m. CST, a ceremony will take place at the Astronaut Memorial Grove with remarks by Center Director Vanessa Wyche. The event will include a NASA T-38 flyover, taps performed by Texas A&M Squadron 17, and a procession to place flowers at memorial trees.
- Kennedy Space Center (Florida): A ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial will feature remarks from Kelvin Manning, deputy director at Kennedy, and Tal Ramon, son of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon.
- Ames Research Center (California): A remembrance event will occur at 1 p.m. PST with remarks from Center Director Eugene Tu.
- Glenn Research Center (Ohio): Glenn’s observance will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m. EST and include wreath placement and taps.
- Marshall Space Flight Center (Alabama): A candle-lighting ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. CST with remarks from Marshall leadership.
This year’s remembrance comes as NASA reflects on the legacy of the Apollo 1 crew and the Challenger and Columbia disasters, highlighting the sacrifices made in the name of progress and discovery.
For more information and to view NASA’s online tribute to fallen astronauts, visit the agency’s website. NASA’s Day of Remembrance will also include a livestream of select ceremonies.