'The America’s Challenge competitors afforded
Richard and Carol the ceremonial first position in the competition
order. As per tradition, the US National Anthem was played and at
the end of the anthem, competitors, officials, and spectators
released white balloons carrying aloft good wishes and prayers for
Richard and Carol. On the launch platform, Richard’s brothers
Benny and Louis and Carol’s husband John, daughter Heather,
and grandson Ryan released the first two balloons. In the
background glowed two splashes of color – Richard
Abruzzo’s hot air balloon “Peak Express” and
Carol Rymer Davis’ hot air balloon “Raggedy
Ann.”'
Source: A portion of the statement
accompanying the laun