2026-10-10
We listened to the 1962 John Glenn launch as we sat in our school bus outside the school doors.
On Tuesday, February 20, 1962 John Glenn launched into earth orbit.
I show the picture of Art Mackay’s school bus because I vividly remember that is where I was. The launch took place at about 8:50 CST, but we had been sitting in the bus, on the Colgate School grounds since about 8:35.
Nobody moved. We just listened to the countdown on the radio. I think that Mr. Mackay may have realized that he was facilitating the class that morning. He didn’t even open the bus door. He knew that something absolutely historic was taking place, and he knew how to have us involved.
Later that day we watched the following on the suppertime news. However, to replicate the first hand experience, just close your eyes and listen to the sound track …
While it is amazing how much things have changed in the past 62 years, I would suggest that sometimes it is even more amazing how little things have changed.