SHUTTLE FROM APOLLO

Few sensations compare to the emotion of witnessing a rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center. The echo of the Launch Control PA system. The countdown clock. Burst of flame. Sudden creation of clouds on the ground. Rising metal. The rumbling thunder rolling out from the pad, shaking the ground.... that rattles your stomach 10, 15 seconds after lift-off.

As a freelance correspondent for the Toronto Sun I covered the space shuttle mission of Marc Garneau, the first Canadian launched into space. His trip aboard 'Challenger' followed a previous launch I had photographed, the maiden voyage of 'Discovery' (slideshow of the launch below.)

But in the beginning... the ticker tape parade along Broadway in August '69 celebrated the return of Apollo 11 and the first men on the moon. (Closest to the camera is Neil Armstrong, then Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.)  Cheered on by first cousin Carmel and myself.  - (GPJ)

Closest to the camera is Neil Armstrong, then Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins