It is sad to see it go, as I'm sure a lot of people also miss the Mercury V days. STS was another FRED, but still very unique and impressive (like many other FRED's C-5, B-1, B-2).
I think it is a good thing that technology has made it possible not to need to have an STS. Launching human remains, Direct TV stuff and NSYNC memebers into space has gotten a lot cheaper.

Even more impressive is that 5 years from now, we will have college grads launching a "low cost" moon rover, made with Lowe's and Home Depot's finest. This is where America shines.

It sucks that I never got to see it launch. So long to the coolest glider in history!

David