Diary Entry - 01/31/1986
Key Facts
The President and First Lady fly to Houston to attend a memorial for the Astronauts who lost their lives in the Space Shuttle Challenger accident.
* * *
At 8:45 on way to Andrews. A.F.1 taking us to Houston for memorial service to Astronauts. Met with families at N.A.S.A. Center—an emotional time. Then out to join some 14,000 people which included all the employees, familys etc. of the entire space center. Nancy & I sat between Mrs. Scobee—wife of leader of the Challenger crew & Mrs. Smith widow of one of the crew. It was a hard time for all the families & all we could do was hug them & try to hold back our tears. When it was over we flew to Andrews & then helicoptered to Camp D. It was really winter there—in the 20°s & covered with snow.
