Elmira native Eileen Collins, an American hero, reflects on today's final space shuttle launch.

It's always a welcome occasion for area residents to have the chance to see or hear from Elmira native and American hero Eileen Collins, one of our region's and the nation's most well-known and revered citizens.

Read Eileen's comments in this morning's Elmira Star-Gazette reflecting on the end of America's space shuttle program with today's scheduled launch of Atlantis.

And see the state Senate's enduring tribute to Eileen Collins.