HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Did you or someone you know work in Huntsville on the space program? You can add names to be remembered in an upcoming memorial project.
The NASA/Marshall Retirees Association is behind an effort to create a memorial expected to be located at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
At the presentation of a $50,000 grant to the group, Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong said, “There is no better fitting tribute to recognize and honor the thousands of workers from NASA and their contractors whose dedicated teamwork made America’s space exploration possible from Huntsville and Madison County as well as all of North Alabama. This memorial will forever recognize these space explorers and serve as an inspiration for generations to follow in their footsteps and take us back to the Moon, Mars and points beyond.”
NASA/Marshall Retiree Association President Rick Chappell calls all of these workers 'space explorers'.
“These tens of thousands of explorers, together with their families, have been the wind beneath the wings of America’s space program," said Chappell. The memorial is expected to open in 2023 to coincide with the Artemis launch to travel back to the Moon.
Chappell said individuals and family members are encouraged to submit information of those to be honored to the Space Memorial Database.
He said the database currently includes the names of some 22,000 current and former members of the Marshall workforce, and the Association is encouraging all contractor employees to add their names as well to ensure the history and legacy of all who have worked on the program.
“The Retirees Association has given us the opportunity to come together to reflect on the spirit of teamwork and perseverance that put the first Americans on the Moon, helped launch the International Space Station, and soon will enable crewed journeys back to the Moon and on to Mars,” Chappell said. “We’re excited to share this monument with the entire Huntsville community as a teaching tool for space campers and all those who visit the Rocket City.”
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