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Heroic astronaut Sally Ride honored at unveiling of her statue at Reagan museum

July 5, 2023

A life-size statue of famed astronaut Sally Ride was unveiled at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Tuesday, July 4, inspiring the patriotic audience as Ride’s sister, Bear Ride, told the crowd, “Sally’s mission was not only ‘to space and back,’ but also to open young minds and hearts to the dedication that can make this planet of ours a better place for us all.”

The intricate bronze statue, now standing on the walkway of the Reagan Library’s Peace Through Strength pavilion, honors Ride’s legacy as the first U.S. woman in space. An astronaut and physicist, she made history in 1983 when she flew into space on the Challenger shuttle.

Bear Ride said that her sister “was a trailblazer and a hero. Here we are looking down on our old home in the San Fernando Valley and remembering and celebrating her.”

A statue of Sally Ride is unveiled during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Tuesday, July 4, 2023. To celebrate Nation’s 247th birthday, the Reagan Library hosted a day of family-fun activities and an unveiling of the Sally Ride statue. Ride is the first American woman to fly in space.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Visitors pose for a photo during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Tuesday, July 4, 2023. To celebrate Nation’s 247th birthday, the Reagan Library hosted family-fun activities which include a statue unveiling of Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Youngsters compete in a sack race during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Tuesday, July 4, 2023. To celebrate Nation’s 247th birthday, the Reagan Library hosted family-fun activities which include a statue unveiling of Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Patriotic visitors look on during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Tuesday, July 4, 2023. To celebrate Nation’s 247th birthday, the Reagan Library hosted family-fun activities which include a statue unveiling of Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Chris Ferris poses for a photo with J.P. Hammock who portrays Abraham Lincoln during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Tuesday, July 4, 2023. To celebrate Nation’s 247th birthday, the Reagan Library hosted family-fun activities which include a statue unveiling of Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Brianna King participates in the water balloon toss competition during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Tuesday, July 4, 2023. To celebrate Nation’s 247th birthday, the Reagan Library hosted family-fun activities which include a statue unveiling of Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Peter Small gives a history lesson as he portrays Thomas Jefferson during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronal Reagan Presidential Library Tuesday, July 4, 2023. To celebrate Nation’s 247th birthday, the Reagan Library hosted family-fun activities which include a statue unveiling of Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

JB and the Big Circle Riders perform during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronal Reagan Presidential Library Tuesday, July 4, 2023. To celebrate Nation’s 247th birthday, the Reagan Library hosted family-fun activities which include a statue unveiling of Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

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Bear Ride and other speakers said they were proud to have the statue in the Los Angeles area, because Sally Ride, who died in 2012 of pancreatic cancer, grew up in Van Nuys and Encino. More than a dozen of her family members and close friends attended the unveiling.

“Her groundbreaking contributions to physics, especially the field of astrophysics, are unparalleled,” said Steven Barber, a filmmaker and one of the organizers of the fundraising to create the statue. “She grew up right around the corner and her spirit is still here.”

President Reagan said on June 18, 1983, “Today marked the launching of the seventh space shuttle flight. This particular shuttle flight is unique in several respects. It’s the first space flight of an American woman — Dr. Sally Ride, another example of the great strides women have made in our country.”

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The Reagan Library hosted several Independence Day festivities in addition to the statue unveiling. Kids in red, white and blue outfits and patriotic face paint ran around on the library lawn, played carnival games and created paper craft projects. And if they got tired from jumping in the inflatable bounce castle or trying to win prizes at the ring toss, there was plenty to do to cool off, like listening to live music in the shade — or soaking their family members with water balloons.

Visitors guessed how many jelly beans — Reagan’s favorite candy — were in a display jar, and others posed with volunteers dressed as famous American historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Betsy Ross.

The event also featured several singers and musicians, including 14-year-old Alexis Silva who performed an original song titled “I think I can fly,” inspired by what Sally Ride’s legacy meant to her. The song ended with cheers from the friendly crowd. “It’s so great to be out here singing today and honoring (Sally Ride),” Silva said. “Happy Fourth of July.”

Orange County Register

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Heroic astronaut Sally Ride honored at unveiling of her statue at Reagan museum

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