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.
At the statue unveiling Tuesday, her sister "Bear" Ride said she "always had a sense that she was seven feet tall. And now I have proof," adding that her sister was "a trailblazer, and to many, a hero."
Sally Ride has also been honored with a U.S. postage stamp in 2018, and is featured on a U.S. quarter as part of the American Women series in 2022.
The new statue honoring the late astrophysicist is located in the Reagan Library's Peace Through Strength Pavilion.
"Sally is a U.S. postage stamp. Sally is a U.S. quarter. Sally is a Northrup Grumman spaceship," said filmmaker Steven Barber. "She is a Scripps research vessel. She's part of the 101 Freeway."
Sally Ride was born in Los Angeles in 1951 and sadly passed away at the age of 61 in San Diego in 2012. During the statue unveiling ceremony, Sally Ride’s sister, known affectionately as “Bear” Ride, spoke about her sister’s remarkable achievements. She mentioned that Sally always had a sense of towering strength and the statue now served as physical proof. Bear Ride described Sally as a trailblazer and a hero to many.
Sally Ride has also been honored with a U.S. postage stamp in 2018, and is featured on a U.S. quarter as part of the American Women series in 2022.
The new statue honoring the late astrophysicist is located in the Reagan Library's Peace Through Strength Pavilion.
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