During opening ceremonies for the 40th anniversary celebration of American spaceflight, Rick Abramson waves to the spectators.

During opening ceremonies for the 40th anniversary celebration of American spaceflight, Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Parks Services of Spaceport, Inc., waves to the spectators. Behind him are four of the space pioneers being honored: (from left) Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn Jr. and Scott Carpenter. Next to Carpenter stands a commemorative painting of a Mercury rocket launch that the four signed. The ceremonies were held in the KSC Visitor Complex Rocket Garden. The event was capped with a dinner held at the KSC Apollo/Saturn V Center