LIBERTY — The historic late 1972 launch of the Apollo 17 mission to the moon represented more than a space expedition to merely collect rock samples from the lunar landscape while making history: It meant something far more endearing and far-reaching, a prominent area historian contends.

“It also was an expression of hope,” Doug Fowler, who also is a retired Youngstown State University physics and astronomy professor, said.

Specifically, the 12-day space mission from Dec. 7 to 19, 1972, represented a magnificent geological and scientific achievement that gave many Americans a greater sense of hope that major challenges at home could be solved. Those included expanding Medicaid and Medicare, along with further tackling poverty, he said.

Fowler was the guest speaker for a program the Will

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