From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
March 2, 2013
The 10th Annual Cradle of Aviation Museum Air & Space Gala, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 17, had a soaring setting – the 3-story atrium lobby and the main Exhibition Hall of the world-class aviation museum.
Apollo 17 Astronaut and former U.S. Senator HARRISON SCHMITT received the Spirit of Discovery Award, PETER RETTALIATA received the Leroy R. Grumman Award, and TODD RICHMAN received the Donald E. Axinn community Service Award.
Those speaking also included ANDREW PARTON, LINDA ARMYN, MARC MACDONALL, and LUIS TOLOSA, a graduate of the Westbury STEM Magnet Academy of the Cradle of Aviation (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math).
The Gala, which was a few months later than originally scheduled due to Hurricane Sandy, also featured a performance by St. Anthony High School’s “Celtic Friars” Pipe Band (South Huntington), a band and dancing, and a Silent Auction of items such as aviation and sports memorabilia, including an eye-catching large framed poster of Long Island Astronauts.
10th Annual Cradle of Aviation Air & Space Gala: GALLERY