NASA Day of Remembrance Ceremony to Honor Fallen Astronauts at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
By Space Coast Daily // January 14, 2025
Event set Thursday, Jan. 23 at 10 A.M. at the National Space Mirror Memorial
The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, in partnership with NASA Kennedy Space Center and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, will host the annual NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, January 23, at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the National Space Mirror Memorial, located at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (NASA image)
(NASA) – The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, in partnership with NASA Kennedy Space Center and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, will host the annual NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, January 23, at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the National Space Mirror Memorial, located at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Each January, NASA, The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex pause to honor the brave men and women who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. This solemn occasion commemorates the crews of Apollo 1, space shuttle Challenger, space shuttle Columbia, and all members of the NASA family who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of space exploration.
The 2025 ceremony will include distinguished speakers and special tributes:
■ Welcome – Thad Altman, President and CEO, The Astronauts Memorial Foundation
■ Presentation of Colors – Brevard County Fire Rescue
■ National Anthem – Leroy Darby, Music Ministry, Faith Temple Church, Rockledge, Florida
■ Invocation – Rev. Scott Circe, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Indialantic, Florida
■ Remarks: Kelvin Manning, Deputy Director, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Eileen Collins, Colonel, USAF Ret., Former NASA Astronaut, and Tal Ramon, son of Ilan Ramon, Payload Specialist, STS-107 Columbia.
■ Recognition and Remembrance – Thad Altman
■ Wreath Laying – Astronaut Family Members Sheryl Chaffee & Ilan Ramon
■ Benediction – Dr. R. Shaun Ferguson, Senior Pastor, Faith Temple Christian Center
■ Epilogue – America the Beautiful performed by Char Good, violinist
The event will be live streamed on NASA Kennedy’s official Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube pages for those unable to attend in person.
“The NASA Day of Remembrance is a time to reflect on the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of those who gave their lives in the pursuit of discovery,” said Thad Altman, President and CEO of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation. “Their legacy continues to inspire future generations to push the boundaries of human exploration.”
“It is an honor to be part of the 2025 Day of Remembrance. By remembering those astronauts who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we help motivate the future workforce and inspire today’s advancements in space exploration,” said Eileen Collins, Colonel, USAF Ret., Former NASA Astronaut.
After the ceremony, guests will have the opportunity to place a flower at the base of the National Space Mirror Memorial in tribute to the fallen astronauts, provided courtesy of Delaware North and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex team.
The Astronauts Memorial Foundation honors and memorializes astronauts who have sacrificed their lives for the nation’s space programs. The foundation also inspires future generations through educational initiatives that promote STEM learning and space exploration. For more information about the ceremony or The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, please visit www.amfcse.org