The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

A July 4th morning’s dedication ceremony recalled a tragic event; nevertheless, smiles and laughter abounded. The ceremony dedicated Brendon Palmer-Angell’s mural “Reach for the Stars! The Michael Anderson Mural.”

Located on the Westelcom Building at 23 Durkee Street and overlooking the city’s soon to be opened Arts Park, the mural depicts Space Shuttle Columbia Payload Commander Lt. Col. Michael Anderson, born on Christmas Day 1959 at the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Hospital. Lt. Col. Anderson and his six fellow NASA crew members were killed in the shuttle’s disaster in 2003. Anderson served at Plattsburgh Air Force Base as a member of the U.S. Air Force and applied to be an astronaut while serving at the base. He was in charge of the Columbia Mission’s science experiments. Anderson’s wife Sandy, his daughters Kaycee and Sydney, and his sister, Brenda Anderson Daniely, attended Sunday’s dedication and served as Grand Marshall’s of Plattsburgh’s 4th of July Parade.

Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest welcomed the good crowd and presented a Key to the City to Mrs. Anderson. The SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir began the celebration with “The Star-Spangled Banner” and concluded it with “God Bless America.” Mayor Rosenquest said he was raised on Plattsburgh Force Base. As a person of color like Lt. Colonel Anderson and his family, the mayor said he wished more people like him lived in this area. The ceremony reminded those present of the wonderful people Plattsburgh Air Force Base brought to this area. So many retired here and continue to bless our community with their presence.