The Space Shuttle Endeavour is due to arrive at its final home at the California Science Center in Los Angeles today after a slow trek, which began early last Friday, from Los Angeles International Airport. Along the way the huge orbiter has overcome obstacles and been greeted by crowds of fans — among them freelance photographer and frequent Media City Groove contributor, Terje “Terry” Canavarro.
Here’s Terry’s eyewitness account of Endeavour at the Forum in Inglewood yesterday.
“I parked in the neighborhood nearby the Forum at 9 a.m. and walked about a half mile. I could see the 5 story high tail of the Shuttle beyond the Forum as I approached! People were slowly swarming toward it from all directions! There was a sense of fun and intrigue and awe from children and adults alike. There was no way to get a photo of the Shuttle and the Forum in the same shot because the street was blocked and surrounded by law enforcement! So I took a few shots from the Forum as(Congresswoman) Maxine Waters spoke. As I was finding my way through the crowd to get closer a couple of gentlemen spoke. I made it to the barrier just as (‘Lost in Space’ actress) June Lockhart started to speak. She gave a tribute to Endeavour in the form of a song. The words were Endeavour’s words saying how she was thankful for letting her serve us in the wondrous skies above us! Then Endeavour slowly made her way slowly up Manchester toward her permanent home as the music played “2001 Space Odyssey” and “I believe I can fly!” It was a powerfully moving experience!”