Flowers for Gagarin

Sheila Piers Campbell in front of photograph of Yuri Gagarin

Sheila Piers Campbell gave flowers to Yuri Gagarin on the stage in Eaton Park.  It was the highlight of my life.  It was a beautiful hot day.  Lots and lots of people.  There was electricity in the air.  There was some controversy about him coming since he was a communist. 

She was eleven years old and wearing a bathing suit.  She was representing the swimming club.  “He was handsome, and he had a beautiful smile.  Afterwards, I came up to Thinkers Lodge for a tour.  One of my friends represented the little league baseball team.  Each group had a representative who gave Gagarin flowers.  I followed his career.  How ironic he was killed in a plane crash."