Shuttle Announcement

So after 30 years of Space Shuttle flights, the final orbiters are getting ready to make their last missions into space.  30 incredible years of firsts, technological advances, breakthrough discoveries, and awe inspiring accomplishments.  Today's announcement was supposed to bring us a sense of pride, but it was definitely sadness that was the prevailing emotion.  I'm glad I was there to witness it, especially the momentary overwhelming sense of joy that lifted the crowd of KSC workers to their feet when it was announced that Atlantis would remain in Florida. 

As has been predicted, Discovery is going to the Smithsonian in DC, and the LA area, near the hangers in which the orbiters were built, will get Endeavour.  Smithsonian's current ownership of the Enterprise test orbiter will go to New York.  This is last one is the only one I really question, though I understand from a tourism standpoint it will get more attention.

And to finish my post off, here is the quote of the day from a conversation I had with my friend and coworker Erin after the announcement.

me: What is all of this shmutz floating around?
Erin: It's ash.
me: What's burning?
Erin: Our hopes and dreams....