Standing tall and proud, the enormous Stars and Stripes at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) is a testament to America's rich space heritage, a sight that leaves a lasting impression.

During my stint at JSC, where I was covering the shuttle mission of Canadian astronaut Steve MacLean, I was awestruck by the sheer scale of the complex—over 100 buildings sprawling across 1,600 acres.

A Memorable Encounter with a Pioneer

It was on October 24, 1992, that I first crossed paths with Marc Garneau, Canada's inaugural astronaut, who was present at JSC representing the Canadian Space Agency. Just two days prior, MacLean’s shuttle had rocketed into space from Kennedy Space Center, and I had journeyed across the country to capture the excitement from mission control.

That same evening, as fate would have it, the Toronto Blue Jays were battling the Atlanta Braves in Game 6 of the World Series, leading the series 3-2. After filing my report for the Toronto Star, I joined a mix of fellow journalists and Canadian Space Agency members in a hotel room to watch the game unfold.

A Shared Victory and Unexpected Tradition

Garneau’s appearance was somewhat unexpected given the demands of the shuttle mission, yet he made it to the gathering a few innings in. Amid the cheering and occasional banter, someone initiated a betting pool where participants chose a number that, if matched with the total runs scored, would win the pot.

As luck would have it, both Garneau and I picked the number 7. With the Jays triumphing 4-3, we shared in the minor winnings, each celebrating a memorable night.

However, the revelry was short-lived; the shuttle mission still had a vital trajectory ahead, and we all had work the next day.

A Surprise Above the Stars

On that Sunday morning, as I drove into the JSC complex, I noticed something unusual. Flapping proudly atop the flagpole, above the venerable U.S. flag, was a small red and white Maple Leaf banner. Someone had successfully managed to hoist Canada’s emblem during the night, and with it being a Sunday and most staff absent, it fluttered there all day long.

Canada’s Ambitions in Space

In the aftermath of that exhilarating experience, I encountered Garneau a few more times in my capacity as The Star’s science reporter, bringing up the subject of the Canadian flag that had mysteriously made its way up the pole.

With a twinkle in his eye, Garneau simply smiled and said he couldn't possibly comment.

Marc Garneau remains not just a trailblazer in Canadian space exploration but also a symbol of the aspirations that Canada holds for the cosmos. His legacy inspires the nation to continue reaching for the stars.