Washington Remembers One Of Our Own—Sally Ride Memorial Photos

A National Tribute to Sally Ride was held Monday in Washington, D.C., nearly 10 months after her death. Ride, a resident of La Jolla, was the first American woman in space.

Ride died July 24, 2012 at the age of 61. She soared into history on June 18, 1983, when she blasted off as a member of the crew aboard the space shuttle Challenger. She also headed San Diego-based Sally Ride Science, a science-education company dedicated to supporting girls’ and boys’ interests in science, math and technology.

The National Tribute was held at The Kennedy Center on Monday night. Speakers included NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland, former astronaut and space shuttle commander Pam Melroy and former astronaut Leland Melvin. In addition, Damian Kulash of OK Go and Grammy Award-winner Patti Austin performed.

The celebration highlighted Ride's contributions and legacies to NASA and education.