With Artemis II the whole world was reminded of the leadership and universal values of cooperation, exploration and knowledge that NASA and the US space program have historically embodied. The contrast with the current political climate and erosion of science and fact-based discourse could not have been more stark. Even a cynical read of this effort would have to recognize the incredible symbolic value of hearing this group of outstanding individuals speak up and offer all of us the example of their patriotism and civic responsibility.