Fallen Astronauts Honored In Boulder
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- NASA's fallen astronauts were honored at a memorial in Boulder on Saturday, including two University of Colorado alumni.
CU Boulder cadets paid tribute to the men and women who died in both the Challenger and Columbia disasters.
"Taking part in this memorial is arguably one of the biggest events we do all year," said Cadet Major Courtney Geisert.
Two CU graduates were among all the fallen astronauts honored on Saturday with a rose placed on the memorial for each life lost. Kalpana Chawla was aboard Columbia when it came apart during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere on Feb. 1, 2003.
Ellison Onizuka was aboard Challenger which exploded shortly after its launch on Jan. 28, 1986.
"Our squadron is named after him," said Geisert. "It's important to remember those who have come before us and sacrificed for our country and exploration into space."
Cadets believe the ceremony honors the astronauts and helps keep their memory alive.
"There's something really particular about getting to take part in a memorial for somebody who walked the same halls as you and sat in the same desk as you," said Geisert.
There have been 18 astronauts affiliated with the University of Colorado who have launched into space.