Astronauts to gift Hamilton flag back to city

A Hamilton flag that was taken into space aboard the space shuttle Discovery earlier this year will be gifted back to the city by a crew of NASA astronauts tomorrow [Tuesday, 17 May].

The six-member crew will present the flag to the city during a special ceremony in Civic Square at 3pm, before it is raised on the Council building’s flagpole by Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker.

In 2009 NASA space shuttle pilot Eric Boe visited Hamilton following an invitation from former high school classmate Ree Varcoe, who is general manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association. Colonel Boe then took the Hamilton flag with him on the final mission of Discovery in February of this year, and was photographed holding it in orbit.

In his latest visit to New Zealand Colonel Boe is joined by his entire Discovery crew for a two-week trip primarily aimed at bringing international attention and assistance to the relief and rebuilding effort in Christchurch. During the trip the astronauts will hold public presentations on the final Discovery mission, visit Christchurch schools and experience popular tourist destinations throughout the country including in Hamilton and the Waikato, Christchurch and Canterbury.

Mayor Hardaker said the gifting of the flag back to Hamilton will be a special moment for the city.

“It is not every day that a New Zealand city can say they have had their flag displayed in orbit by a NASA astronaut for all the world to see. It will be very exciting to have this flag gifted back to the city by the entire crew from the Discovery space shuttle mission, and we will certainly fly it with pride,” she said.

Flag raising ceremony
When: Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Where: Civic Square, outside the Hamilton City Council building
Time: 3pm