Dave Martinez/Daily News-Sun

Challenger

Children release red, white and blue balloons to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Challenger shuttle tragedy outside the Challenger Space Center in Peoria. The children spent the day touring the center and writing their hopes on cards that they attached to the balloons.

Challenger

Invited guests and elementary school children sit inside the auditorium at the Challenger Space Center in Peoria. The Center is one of 25 others across the nation taking part in remembering the 25th anniversary of the space shuttle tragedy.

Challenger

Lynn Stewart, an employee at the Challenger Space Center, looks over hopes written on cards by elementary school children attending the 25th anniversary event of the Challenger shuttle tragedy.