Astronaut Buzz Aldrin with our Disney hero, Buzz Lightyear All photos: WDWNEWS
On Friday, Main Street, USA was all "a buzz" with the excitement of honoring our nation's space heroes, Buzz Lightyear, Buzz Aldrin and the International Space Station Expedition 18 astronaut, Michael Fincke! The ticker tape flew through the air as our heroes made their way down Main Street, USA to the cheering fans lining Main Street, USA in the Magic Kingdom. Decked out in his finest, Buzz Lightyear lead the way followed by Buzz Aldrin and Michael Fincke amid the marching bands and hoopla of a parade reminiscent to that of the welcoming home ticker-tape parade that Buzz Aldrin received back in 1969 in New York City after his return from walking on the moon. What a celebration!
NASA and Disney celebrated Buzz Lightyear as the longest serving astronaut in space, a total of 15 months aboard the International Space Station, serving as part of an educational project between NASA and Disney to inspire students to pursue careers in science, engineering, mathematics and technology. He returned on board the Space Shuttle Discovery on September 11.
“Buzz’s historic space flight is a great example of spreading the excitement of space exploration to students around the world,” said Dr. Joyce Winterton, NASA’s Assistant Administrator for Education. “We hope that our space station crews and Buzz will spark student interest in the International Space Station and its scientific potential.”
“We can’t thank our partners at NASA enough for bringing Buzz Lightyear home from space to his family, friends and fans here at Disney Parks – after all, this was his dream come true,” said Duncan Wardle, Vice President Public Relations, Disney Parks. “He was certainly missed and deserves a hero’s welcome!”
Welcome home to all!
Read more about Buzz's journey to Infinity and Beyond!
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