I was doing some introspection on why I like to design patches, and during a recent read of Carl Sagan's "Cosmos", I came across this passage.  It perfectly encapsulate the reason why I like to design patches, particularly patches from decades past for programs and missions that lacked such enduring recognition of their, sometimes life-long, efforts I want to honor those people who dedicated their lives to furthering understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe.

"These spacecraft their designers builders navigators and controllers are examples of what science and engineering set free for well-defined peaceful purposes can accomplish. Those scientists and engineers should be role models for an America seeking excellence and international competitiveness. They should be on our stamps." - Carl Sagan, Cosmos