Why Star Trek is More Important to El Paso Than You Might Think

March 26th is Live Long and Prosper Day, which might not mean much if you have no idea what Star Trek is, but believe me, in El Paso, Star Trek should be a HUGE deal. For die hard Trekkies and even most casual fans, the term “Live Long and Prosper” is immediately recognizable as the blessing that's typically paired with the Vulcan salute from the series. The salute is probably one of the most popular things to come from Star Trek aside from actors William Shatner, Patrick Stewart, LeVar Burton, and of course, Leonard Nimoy, who played the character that used the salute most, Spock. On this ‘Live Long and Prosper’ Day, I want to remind you why it is insane that El Paso isn't the official home for all things Star Trek. Maybe by the end, you'll agree with me.

First, lets dig into a little history about the Vulcan Salute. In Star Trek, the salute is used by an alien race called the Vulcans. The Vulcans are known for not having emotions and instead being logical problem solvers who can always think their way out of any situation because they don't feel stress or anger or sadness the way humans do. Leonard Nimoy played the titular character, Spock, who was special to the Vulcan race because he was half human. Leonard Nimoy had the privilege of playing a deep character who struggled with having emotions when none of his people did. Not only did Leonard play the character so well that Spock went on to be one of the most beloved sci-fi characters in all of television history, but the actor is actually the one credited for coming up with the Vulcan Salute itself! 

Fun Fact: The popular Vulcan Salute didn't even appear in the show until the 1st episode of season 2 of Star Trek!

Okay okay okay, I know you're wondering why this science fiction show is so important to our little border town so let's get to it. If you don't know much about Star Trek, this'll definitely be news to you. If you're a Trekkie, however, you absolutely know this but if you're a Trekkie AND an El Pasoan, well this is probably one of those facts you keep in your back pocket. The reason that Star Trek should be celebrated in El Paso the way Dragon Ball Z is celebrated in Mexico is because the creator of this wildly popular science fiction series, Gene Roddenberry, is a native El Pasoan! Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, was born right here in the borderland! Roddenberry’s father was in the military and was stationed at Fort Bliss, shortly after Gene was born though, his father took a job as a police officer in Los Angeles and Roddenberry unfortunately left El Paso at the age of 2. 

Unfortunately for us Star Trek fans, casual or hardcore, there really aren't any lasting tributes to Rodenberry or Star Trek in general when it comes to the Five Points area of El Paso. If you are thinking about paying your respects to the late and great Gene Rodenberry, there is one very special place to do it. El Paso's own, Gene Roddenberry Planetarium, also known as, The Rodenberry. EPISD runs The Roddenberry and decided to change the name to honor the Star Trek creators legacy in 2001 after years of the planetarium having no official title. 

Now go, friends! Go and impress your homies with this nerdy knowledge, and most importantly, Live Long and Prosper!!