A parade and ceremonies were held to “welcome home” astronaut Gene Cernan in his hometown of Bellwood followed by a question-and-answer session at Proviso East High School. After launching Gemini IX-A on June 3, 1966 astronauts Gene Cernan and Commander Tom Stafford’s mission included an EVA (extra-vehicular activity) space walk and tested precision landing capability. In 1972, Gene Cernan was the last human to walk on the moon.
Photo: Forest Park Review Archive, June 30, 1966. Astronaut Gene Cernan (left); Paul Coffman (center), publisher of the Proviso Star Sentinel; and Commander Thomas Stafford (right) at the ceremony welcoming the astronauts back from their recent trip into space.