[Charles Martel]

I’m twenty years older than you and when I was in grade school we got let out of class to gather around a small black and white TV in the school library and watch the launches.

We must be around the same age; the teachers used to let us all go sit in the hallway where kids from several classes could all see the TV. Those were such amazing times. Some of those old broadcasts are on YouTube, check 'em out.

My favorite pre-Shuttle NASA pic (of Apollo 11):

[prairiebreeze]

We felt like we were watching history. In fact, we were.

:^)

[SlowBoat407]

Something about this pic doesn't sit right with me. I watched every single Apollo launch, but I always recalled the launch vehicles being pretty much vertical as they ascended until they were much higher. I don't know how high the flag was in this picture, but I can't imagine the Saturn beginning its program at the altitude that seems to be indicated. This was either taken with an incredibly long lens (not entirely unlikely, given the hazy appearance of the Saturn V and its angle), or a very inspired mash-up.

I would love to be proven wrong, because I like the shot.