October 6, 1996 was the day that Star Trek: 30 Years and Beyond aired on the fledgling United Paramount Network (UPN).

The special, celebrating the 30th anniversary of our beloved franchise, was directed by Louis J. Horvitz, veteran director of many editions of the Academy Awards, and hosted by Ted Danson. A plethora of stars made appearances, including Ben Stiller (a lifelong Trek fan), John Larroquette (Star Trek III’s Klingon officer Maltz), Joan Collins (Edith Keeler from “City On the Edge of Forever”), John De Lancie (do I really need to tell you how he relates to Trek?) and astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Mae Jemison.

There were a number of video montages, as well, including one celebrating the visual effects of the franchise, accompanied by live music performed by jazz saxophonist Kenny G. A highlight of the evening was a hilarious skit in which Kate Mulgrew, as Captain Kathryn Janeway, attempted to command a ragtag crew, as played by the cast of the long-running sitcom Frasier. There was also a musical tribute to The Great Bird of the Galaxy himself, Gene Roddenberry, featuring opera singer Jennifer Lamore.

Most of the core Trek cast members were in attendance, with the exception of Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart, Denise Crosby, Wil Wheaton and Alexander Siddig. Nimoy and Stewart did appear in prerecorded video messages, however, from Paris and England, respectively. The night wrapped up with Aldrin and Jemison presenting each cast member present from all four of the Trek shows (The Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and Voyager) with a framed American flag with the inscription, “In recognition of your role in inspiring the bold spirit of exploration and helping us all see the tremendous possibilities for the future of human kind.”

Various bits of the show are available on YouTube, but it’s well worth your time to watch the entire 1 hour and 27 minute extravaganza. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face!