This is a song called “Challenger – Sung for the Seven” created by a Central Florida resident Don Brunning who witnessed the tragic launch of STS 51. It was played on local radio stations shortly after the disaster.
This song was written, recorded and played on a local radio station in Central Florida just a few days after the Shuttle Challenger exploded on January 28, 1986, by singer/songwriter Don Brunning. His beautiful tribute touched the hearts of so many here in Central Florida.
Thank you for expressing the feelings and thoughts of all of us living here at that time.
Lyrics
Could you hear the world as it was crying?
Can you see your country now in grief?
Will you ever know how much we’ll miss you?
In a flash it was over; it was never meant to be.
CHORUS
Challenger, can we take the challenge, Challenger, to keep your memory strong?
And never forget the price you’ve paid to realize your dream
and find the strength to carry on no matter how bad things might seeem.
No one had a clue that it would happen
but its a risk that seven chose to face.
Everyone can understand your courage
but no one, no no one, can ever take your place.
CHORUS
Challenger, will we take the challenge, Challenger, to keep your memory strong.
And never forget the price you’ve paid to realize your dream
and find the strength to carry on no matter how bad things might seem.
Like many I feel the emptiness inside of me.
Millions mourn the loss of these brave few.
Its sad that what has got to be is what has got to be.
So tonight there’ll be a pray for Christa, the Commander, and the crew of Challenger.
CHORUS
Together we’ll take the challenge, Challenger, to keep your memory strong
and never forget the price you’ve paid to realize your dream
and find the strength to carry on no matter how bad things might seem
