Challenger Astronauts Memorial - Fresno, California
Posted by: DougK
N 36° 45.093 W 119° 49.408
11S E 247934 N 4071029
This memorial to the Challenger astronauts is in Roeding Park in Fresno, California.
Waymark Code: WM71TE
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 08/20/2009
Views: 8
This memorial to the Challenger astronauts is in Roeding Park in Fresno, California.
Now, once again, the diverse people of this country share
in knowledge, faith, and feeling, the unity of national grief.
A Glad, courageous crew of astronauts, examples of our finest citizenry,
have sacrificed their inspirational lives.
How happily they bade farewell to Earth! So eager to contribute
what each could do to widen our frontiers in outer space.
How fearlessly they took that fatal risk which always separates
the selfish goal from that for which the hero strives.
They were husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, friends,
neighbors to all the households of his fortunate place.
Surely what they symbolize in Mankind's never ending quest to know
has laid them on the alter of God's grace.
They might have known those festive feelings of fulfillment
which can only come to those who reach achievement's heights.
They might have spent declining years with rich respect from peers
and loving hours with families and friends:
But never shall they tread again on ordinary paths of life, nor know
the many pains and sorrows of the common lot.
They shall not feel anxiety nor worry and frustrations
that advancing years unto the aging hero sends.
But all they were and all they are, for what they tried
and failed, gives us a trust to which we must be true.
Beyond the pales of death they clearly say:
"Hold fast the course! Redeem our sacrifice with faith,
hard work, and courage, and make successful what we tried to do."
Search not for their depleted dust nor seek to make a tomb
for any of their mortal parts.
Their varied lives from henceforth rest in History' sacred shrine.
Their meanings live forever in a grateful nation's hearts.
By Charles B. Garrigus - Poet Laureate of California
Hours: April through October, 6am to 10pm
November through March, 6am to 7pm
Fee (if no fee, enter 'none'): 3
How Long a Hike: 0
Amount of time an average person would spend here: Less than an hour
Location is wheelchair accessible?: Yes
Accessible?: Not Listed
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