Space Shuttle Endeavour over Sacramento

At 09:45hrs on Friday, September 21, 2012, the space shuttle Endeavour slowly began making the first of two circles around the California state Capitol building at low altitude, sitting piggy-back on a modified 747.  Most schools in the district where I teach, Natomas Unified in north Sacramento, let classes go outside at 9:15 to watch as the fly-by was scheduled for 9:30. The flyover was wonderfully impressive and inspiring; the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft flew low enough for its engines to rattle the windows!  The excitement and discussions lasted throughout the school day; the students will remember this event all their lives.  Various teachers took the photos posted below.

I don't know how many of my students realize that NASA faces drastic budget cuts;  this wasn't the day to tell them.  Let's hope and pray that America recovers or perhaps finally finds its sense of purpose, and that these children can have the exciting and meaningful future that they looked forward to today.
See professional photos of the flyover here.