A flag that survived the Challenger space shuttle explosion in 1986 will be permanently displayed at the Challenger Learning Center in Colorado Springs, offering visitors a tangible connection to one of NASA's most tragic moments.

The flag was among the few intact items recovered from the debris after the shuttle exploded 73 seconds into its mission, killing all seven astronauts aboard. The artifact has been in the care of retired Air Force officer Dr. Parris Neal for more than 30 years.

"I believe that some divine intervention occurred. You can call it a miracle. You can call it coincidence. But I think it's more than that," Neal said.

The flag's journey to space began with Boy Scout Troop 514 from Monument. When the scouts saw the flag, it didn't initially impress them.

"The boys saw

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