Triumphs and Tragedies: America and Iowa in Space

As America returns to the Moon with the launch of the Artemis astronauts scheduled for February, the Marion Heritage Center hosts a special Memorial Service commemorating the U.S. Space program on the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. A wreath will be laid and Bell of Remembrance rung for every astronaut lost in service to science. Eulogies will be read honoring each, including Laurel Clark, born in Iowa and a victim of the tragic re-entry incident aboard the Shuttle Columbia. The Memorial Service begins at 11:30 a.m and an exhibit will also be dedicated recognizing the vital role Iowa has played in the history of Space exploration, including the two Iowa astronauts who returned our nation to Space after the Challenger disaster. The event is free and open to the public who will be welcomed to share their memories of America's great triumphs and saddest of tragedies in the annals of the Space program.