“Cape Kennedy” -“AMERICA’s SPACE STATION”

Mar 31st “Cape Kennedy” -“AMERICA’s SPACE STATION”

“Cape Kennedy” – “AMERICA’s SPACE STATION”

L – R…..Donald…..Al and Lee, Jr. Aldrich

“How’s the “AIR” up there?” The name was changed from… Cape Canaveral, Florida 32953 – after President Kennedy was assassinated – – so we AMERICANS would have a remembrance of what he stood for – – and so… as AMERICANS – – we just had to see and visit… on our way to Merrit Island to visit cousin, Jimmie Brady Shilling.

I remember – as if … it was just yesterday – driving up the Florida Highway coast and far enough away from home… and stopping for breakfast. We started our day nice and early, just so we could stop at a restaurant other than our own.

We were planning on staying a week and enjoying the swimming at Jimmy’s place on Merrit Island. They had spent sometime at our home in Fort Lauderdale – and said to come up to their place and plan on sight-seeing.

That is Al Aldrich – sitting at the top of the base for the AIR CRAFT – – just above his head – Al is near or just 2 years of age. Al had already made a solo trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to St.Louis, MO via Eastern Air Lines… at the age of eighteen months. He is now a licensed pilot today – Helicopters his favorite way to fly – – and I often wonder – – did he like sitting up there – – did that trip to Merrit Island inspire him to learn to fly?