20 years ago today

I was in 8th grade. For some reason, the fact that NASA was sending a civilian teacher into space wasn't a big deal to our school system. I suppose since they didn't have the ability to have all the students watch the shuttle launch back then, they just let it go.

Anyway, I don't remember what class I had just entered, but I distinctly remember one of the students asking the teacher, "Is it true that the shuttle blew up?"

The teacher answered with a very somber, "Yes." That was all the acknowledgement I remember anyone at our school making.

I, like probably every other American with access to a TV, watched the explosion on the news that night and for several nights after.

To this day, Challenger flight commander Dick Scobee's "Roger, go with throttle up" thrusts a lump in my throat and causes tears to flow from my eyes.

Every time I hear the words.