The Illinois Senate recently took action to honor one of the world’s most legendary space explorers, James Lovell, a resident of Lake Forest, by naming December 21, 2024 as “Captain James A. Lovell Day.” The legislation was filed by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), with State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) as chief cosponsor.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the honor. His leadership on Apollo 13 will never be forgotten, nor will his service aboard Apollo 8,” said Senator McClure. “Captain Lovell is an American hero, and all Illinoisians are proud that he chooses to call our great state home.”
“James A. Lovell’s extraordinary courage and skills have left an indelible mark on human space exploration,” said Senator Morrison. “His achievements have long inspired generations to dream big and persevere in the face of seemingly impossible challenges.”
Captain James A. Lovell began his aviation career as a pilot in the U.S. Navy before being selected by NASA in 1962. As an astronaut, Lovell took part in several historic firsts, including the first rendezvous of two manned maneuverable spacecraft on the Gemini 12 mission, as well as the Apollo 8 mission, where he and his fellow crewmen became the first humans to leave the Earth’s gravitational influence and orbit the moon.
Lovell is also remembered as the commander of the Apollo 13 mission. His heroics on that mission were portrayed in the 1995 movie “Apollo 13,” where Lovell was played by Tom Hanks.
Senate Resolution 1280 declares December 21, 2024, as Captain James A. Lovell Day in the State of Illinois.
Senator McClure (left) presents Captain James Lovell (right) with a copy of Senate Resolution 1280, which declares December 21, 2024, as Captain James A. Lovell Day.