Dr. Ronald E. McNair Memorial Park

Dr. Ronald E. McNair Memorial Park. . , History of the Park , The Dr. Ronald E. McNair Memorial Park was officially dedicated on April 29, 1995. The Memorial Park is the results of planning which began in 1989 as a joint collaboration of the Ron McNair Committee, the City of Lake City and the Lake City Library Board. The building of the monument with aa Scroll of Honor was completed in 1994, the bronze statue of Ronald was completed in 1995, and a platform was constructed for both the wall monument and statue in 1995. Later developments and expansions included the addition of the Memorial Park identification sign in 1998 and the relocation of his tomb to a permanent site in the park in 2004. The original burial site was located five miles west of Lake City in the Rest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. In 2004, the Mausoleum and Mastaba with an "eternal flame" was dedicated. This move brought together a cadre of physical reminder of the achievements and values of Dr. Ronald E. McNair. The final project will be the construction of the Space Museum and Learning Center., The Man , Ronald was born on October 21, 1950. His talents, determination, and drive were recognized early in his life. The entire family structure encouraged and supported his determination and provided frequent reminders of the value of education and a strong faith in God. Ronald established an identity as an exemplary family man and an exceptional achiever., The Astronaut , Ronald graduated from Carver High School, Lake City, South Carolina, in 1967; received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from North Carolina A&T State University in 1971 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976; presented an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from North Carolina A&T State University in 1978, an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Morris College in 1980, and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of South Carolina in 1984. Equipped with impressive credentials and special honors, he was prepared for the challenge of NASA. He was selected as an astronaut candidate in January 1978. He flew his first mission on STS-41B on February, 1984.