KONTINENT MEDIA ATTENDS AN UNVEILING OF SOVIET COSMONAUT YURI GAGARIN BUST CEREMONY AT THE ADLER PLANETARIUM

October 19, 2011, Chicago, IL, Kontinent Media attends an unveiling of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin bust ceremony at the Adler Planetarium. This ceremony was in honor of 50th anniversary of human spaceflight. The statue is a gift to the people of Chicago from Moscow, Russia through the Sister cities International program. Gagarin became the first human in space fifty years ago in 1961 during his historic flight aboard Vostok 1 spacecraft and was named “Hero of the Soviet Union.” The bust will be on display at the Adler alongside Alan B. Sherad’s jet flight suit and helmet on loan from the personal collection of the Alan B. Shepard Family. The bust will become the planetarium’s permanent public exhibit beginning October 20, 2011.

During a special unveiling ceremony attended by respected media outlets a distinct guest of honor cosmonaut Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu was in attendance. Prunariu was the first Romanian in space on Soyuz 40 and Salyut 6 space laboratory. The Campanella Children’s Choir of Northbrook performed a selection of traditional Russian songs. Adler President Paul Knappenberger, Jr., PhD, addressed the attendees about the impact that Gagarin has had on the history of space exploration. Samuel C. Scott, the Chairman of the Board of Chicago Sister Cities International, conveyed his overwhelming excitement over the monumental gift that was presented to the people of Chicago. He expressed his gratitude to the city of Moscow for their generosity.

Leonard Mogul from Kontinet Media, in a brief discussion with a co-chair of Moscow Committee, Chicago Sister Cities International, Aleksandra Efimova discussed a monumental significance of the unveiling ceremony. Ms. Efimova, told him that this event represents a step in the right direction. Mr. Mogul concluded that “on behalf of Kontinent Media and a Russian community we express our appreciation to everyone involved for making this event a grand success!”

For information on future events or event sponsorship, please call 847.274.1648.
Contact: Leonard Mogul
kontinentmedia@gmail.com

Photos provided courtesy of Adler Planetarium.