In preparation for the construction of the Gemini Phase of the Space Walk of Fame, a Gemini Reunion, Groundbreaking Ceremony, Commemorative Dinner, and Barbecue Picnic were held on July 19th and 20th of 1996.

Afterwards, U. S. Space Walk of Fame President, Dr. Calvin D. Fowler provided the following report:

The Gemini reunion on July 19/20, 1996 was a roaring success. About 400 of the veterans attended. The reunion started with ground breaking where the Gemini Monument will be erected and dedicated in the Space Walk of Fame Park in Titusville in November 1997. This was followed by a banquet at Howard Johnson hotel in Cocoa Beach, FL. Four hundred enjoyed prime rib or salmon and desert.

Chuck Mathews NASA's Gemini Program Manager talked about the time he and the flight crew went to the White House after a Gemini mission. After dinner Chuck wanted to leave the white house because they had to get back and work on the next mission. President Johnson said they had to go to the Paris Air Show to show off the American heroes. Chuck objected but Johnson replied that if we could not show off the heroes and gain public support there would be no more space program. Chuck being a good program manager went along with the President's wishes.

Tom Stafford talked about the ride on the Titan. He reported about the g-load being greater on the Titan than on the Saturn V in the Apollo program. He said that you knew when the first stage engines were firing. Then there was a little lull between the first stage cutting off and the kick from the second stage ignition and burning. Tom said he would never forget the ride on the Titan and he never felt the famous pogo effect that the Titan was suppose to have.

General Jack Albert USAF (retired) was the master of ceremonies. Jack was the USAF Titan Launch Director during Gemini. He recalled many of the exciting times the USAF and Martin had getting the Titan ready for launch. His most unusual tales was when CWO Elmer Barton, Mayor of Pad 19, built the Barton Free Way between Pad 19 and Pad 16. This was necessary because Gus Grissom wanted to avoid the press who were always camping out at the entrance to Pad 19. The Barton Free Way allowed Gus to come and go via Pad 16 entrance. Joe Verlander validated many of the tales General Albert told. He added a few of his own.

Congressman Dave Weldon gave the group a look into the future of the space program as seen in Washington. He reported that Congress was in favor of the space program and it would be funded as long as the program was successful. He talked about the Space Station and the shuttle's replacement that is being developed.

Sam Ackley, Titusville City Manager and Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, President of The U. S. Space Walk of Fame and former Mercury-Atlas Test Conductor talked about the long range plan for Space View Park. Sam presented the plans to build the infrastructure and Dr. Fowler talked about adding the Space theme to the park. The Space Walk of Fame Foundation long range plan includes:

Dr. Fowler explained that the Space Walk of Fame is a volunteer organization of retired rocket scientists who believed the names of the manned space flight support personnel should be recorded in history.

The reunion was concluded on Saturday with an all day Barbecue Picnic were Gemini Veterans renewed old friendships, shared nostalgic memories of days long past, and even though some had traveled many miles like George Gallagher and his wife from Anchorage, Alaska and Roy Edwards from Sacramento, California they assured each other with sincere promises to be back for the dedication of the Gemini Monument in November 1997.

The funds for the monuments comes entirely from donations from corporations and from veterans buying bricks and other memorabilia such as hats and lapel pins. Anyone who worked in the Gemini Program in any capacity is entitled to have their name recorded at the monument. Send $100 and the following information to the U. S. Space walk of Fame Foundation, P. O. Box 6385, Titusville, FL 32782-6385. You will get a confirmation that your brick will be installed before the dedication in 1997.

Visit Scenes of the 1996 Gemini Reunion




Copyright © 1996-2002 U. S. Space Walk of Fame Foundation



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