Shuttle monument dedicated in Florida

A 15-foot (4.4-meter)-tall shuttle monument of stainless steel and granite has been unveiled on Florida's Space Coast.

The U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum led efforts to create the $350,000 monument bearing six black granite panels displaying information on shuttle missions and ground operations. It's topped with an 8-ton steel shuttle emblem.

Florida Today reports dozens of retired and current space program workers attended Saturday's dedication at Space View Park in Titusville.

Fred Gregory, an astronaut who logged three shuttle missions, said the monument honors those on the ground who helped the astronauts reach space. "Everybody gives us the credit. And for every launch we had, I think there were probably 40,000 people around the world who were going to make that the safest, most successful mission ever," Gregory said.

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