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Planetary Stewardship
9/17/08 Kathy reflects on the Association of Space Explorers awarding a “Leonov Medallion” for taking care of Planet Earth
9/17/08
This week the Association of Space Explorers awarded me and People For Puget Sound a “Leonov Medallion” for our work to take care of Planet Earth.
Astronauts and cosmonauts from (literally!) around the world are here in Seattle for their 21st Planetary Congress. These men and a few women share the unusual experience of having seen Earth from space. In every case, they returned home with a deep sense of the fragility and precious value of our beautiful living planet. Talk about perspective!
I shared the stage with Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, who was honored for his leadership in mobilizing hundreds of mayors and cities to address global warming in the face of the Bush Administration’s rejection of the Kyoto agreement.
How interesting and exciting to meet so many people who have been to space. And how humbling to have been selected for their award. Actually, the most interesting part of the evening was to learn about the medallion itself—a hefty piece of bronze with a beautiful bas-relief of a space helmet and the logo of the Association of Space Explorers. It is called the Leonov medallion because it was actually made by Alexei Leonov, the first human to walk in space. He is the co-president of the Association, although poor health prevented him form coming to Seattle for this meeting. There is quite a story behind the material in the medallion—it was made from the remains of a large statue of Leonid Brezhnev that used to stand at Star City near Moscow, the Soviet equivalent of the Houston Space Center. When the Soviet Union fell, so did the Brezhnev statue, and now he has been recycled into these awards! By the way, other past awardees include Lech Walesa and the Pope.
So sometimes taking care of your own corner of the earth can lead to some very interesting experiences and connections. If you come to Harbor Lights on October 25, among other things you will have a chance to bid on “Dinner with Astronauts”—a chance to spend an evening with some of our Puget Sound area space travelers. Cool!