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I had the honor of an invite to "Alan Shepard's third launch," as the family was calling it, this morning, plus the downtown reception that followed. Didn't have time to go to the reception, but really enjoyed the ship launch. Hard to describe something the size of a city block sliding away from you down into San Diego bay! I took a number of photos, which I'll post here later on (probably tomorrow). Bill, I hope you like them, I know you were curious to see this event and hear about it. The shipyard had opened the gates to the general public (with the usual metal detectors / other security as a precaution) so that they could all watch the launch from close by and watch the stage presentations on a large screen. A lot of local families, schoolkids etc., which was great to see. Then there was a raised seated area for guests with invites - mostly Navy people. A very large media presence, looked like every local TV station and newspaper represented. Amongst the honored guests were the first and last people to travel to the Moon, Bill Anders and Gene Cernan - Cernan reminding us that he launched to the Moon 34 years ago tomorrow. Ed Mitchell could not be there as he is at the Cape for the shuttle launch, but a very nice message from him was read out in which he described Shepard and Roosa in glowing terms. Roosa's son and daughter were there, as were Shepard's three daughters (to launch the ship), three of his six grandchildren (one of whom is currently serving in the Navy) and many other family members. Ed Buckbee, who was one of Shepard's closest colleagues in his later years, was there too with his wife. Suzi Cooper, widow of Gordo, was also there with her daughter. A number of other local and national dignataries were there too, many with connections to Shepard's home state, who gave glowing speeches about him. In true astronaut style they had a countdown clock running until the moment the daughters smashed the bottle on the bow of the ship, gave it a playful push, and the ship gently glided into the bay with red, white and blue streamers flying. Just beautiful. Lola, it was very nice to see you again. Sorry I couldn't stay for the reception (hope you had fun!), but great to chat with you for a while.
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