To be part of this historic ceremony was a dream come true for me. Always a Sci-Fi fan since the Star Trek Days, I was very humbled by these brave men and women who risk danger for the advancement of science and knowledge. They are true role models for the kids, as you will see later in the article.

The event was to begin at 10:00am with a Plaque Dedication Ceremony at Mission: SPACE in EPCOT where the inspirational words of Barbara Morgan will be placed next to Christy McAuliff's which hangs there now. Her words read: "Reach for your Dreams, The Sky is no limit" The plaque was presented in true Disney Magic, in that after opening remarks from EPCOTS Vice-president Jim MacPhee and Assistant Administrator of Education at NASA Joyce Winterton followed by Barbara's own story of her space adventure, a NASA like countdown complete with rocket exhaust and shining embers, unveiled her addition to the hallowed wall.

The next event was from 10:30am to 11:00am where members of the press had the opportunity to interview the crew themselves. I had the opportunity to speak to Mission Specialist-5 Alvin Drew (Colonel, U.S. Air Force). This was the Colonel's first spaceflight after being selected as a Mission Specialist in July of 2000. My question to him was this…

"How did you decide to become an astronaut?"

DREW: "For me the spark of inspiration came when I was 5 years old in the first grade when the Apollo 7 mission was on and we got to see it in school. I always had the bug for flying since I was four and when I got the chance to go to the Air Force Academy out of High School I started out flying helicopters, after time I got the chance to attend Test pilot school. It was common for test pilots to apply to become astronauts"

MN: "So you felt that being in the military helped your chances of becoming an astronaut?"

DREW: "It's a double-edged thing, statistically you have a better chance of getting into the astronaut corps, but by the same token you are much older than your civilian counter-parts. Tracy Caldwell and others who come right out of graduate school or Doctorate program are usually in their mid to late 20's whereas military test pilots are in their mid to late 30's or even 40's when they join"

MN: "This was your first space flight?"

DREW: "Yes it was."

MN: "What was your feeling as those main engines ignited?"

DREW: "So many times we have had scrubbed launches seconds from lift-off, but once those solid rocket boosters light you know your going to leave the earth, so your thinking you can't scrub now and just enjoying the ride up like in the simulations thousands of times"

MN: So the sensation is like being squashed down in your seat?"

DREW: "Yeah, it surprised me they talked about the feeling of having an elephant on your chest, for the first 30 seconds it's difficult getting your breath"

MN: "Thank your for your time Mr. Drew, we all wish you success in the future"

Unfortunately, we only had a few minutes to interview each astronaut due to the amount of press attending; I also had the chance to speak to Mission Specialist-2 Rick Mastracchio.

I asked Rick what are the qualifications to becoming an astronaut?

RICK: "There are minimum requirements that NASA has and then there are the more realistic requirements that are a function of the competition, the other folks that are trying to become astronauts. The minimum requirements to become an astronaut are a degree in math or science and a couple of year's experience. That is a pretty simple requirement"

MN: "It seems that a lot more would be required considering what you do in space"

RICK: "The reality of it is the competition, folks with PhD's and Masters degrees with ten years experience, or test pilots, doctors and scientists, so the best way to become an astronaut is to get a masters degrees and lots of experience"

MN: You mean years of experience in that field?"

RICK: "Yes, any technical field helps"

MN: "Does a military career help?"

RICK: "I don't know the exact numbers, but probably half our astronauts come from the military, so yes a military career going into aviation or the medical field or engineering part of the military is a big help"

MN: " So flight training helps a lot?"

RICK: "Yes, commanders and pilots are all current or ex-military pilots"

MN: "So anyone who plans on flying and landing the orbiter would be military trained"

RICK: "Yes"

MN: "How about yourself, how did you decided to become an astronaut?"

RICK: "I was looking for a new job a few years back, I saw an advertisement for new astronauts, and this was way back in 1985, 86. I put in an application and was not accepted as an astronaut right away, but got invited to work in Johnson Space Center as an engineer. It is great to work at NASA as a scientist or engineer; there are many opportunities available to you. I worked various jobs for nine years until I got selected"

MN: "Do most people work as engineers first before they are selected as astronauts?"

RICK: "Many folks come right in directly from their careers. In addition, a number of folks work for NASA first before they are chosen and that is a great way to do it, NASA has great opportunities. You do not have to be an astronaut for those opportunities"

MN: "What about the Physical aspect of becoming an astronaut?"

RICK: "You have to be in good physical shape, there are medical and physical requirements NASA has, but most people in decent shape can pass"

MN: "If the commander became incapacitated, who else could land the orbiter?"

RICK: "We have two folks trained for every event; the pilot is his back-up and can land the shuttle"

MN: "Thank you Rick for your time"

The next highlight of the day was from 11:15pm to 12:15pm in the Base 21 Siemens VIP center in Spaceship Earth. Here the crew of the Endeavor took questions from local area schoolchildren. It was very interesting and entertaining, some of the questions posed were "How do you fall asleep in space," "Does a Candle burn in Space" to "Who would you like to take into space with you?" The kids all had their hands up, hoping to be picked next; you could feel the excitement in the room. The crew proving to be a positive role model for these future engineers and scientists. After the session, Disney provided a nice lunch and beverages for all and it was off to the Magic Kingdom for the final salute to the crew.

At 2:45pm, the Endeavour crew was honored as they became the Grand Marshal's of the Disney's Dreams come true Parade. Cast members handed out small American Flags and as the crew, Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, and Mission specialists Tracy Caldwell, Rick Mastracchio, Dave Williams, Barbara Morgan, Alvin Drew walked down Main St U.S.A. amid the clapping and cheering and the waving sea of American Flags, you felt new pride in the USA. Only Walt Disney World could bring that Magic to life. It was a fine tribute to these heroes and dreamers.

More photos can be found here.