I have never seen a launch but I live near Tinker AFB and the shuttle usually stops here while riding piggyback on the back of a 747 Jumbo Jet on the return from California. Had it fly right over my house once while I was out in the yard. Amazing how something that big can ride on top of an airplane.
Here is a cool video of it taking off on the back of a 747
http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Mov...EM-0084-06.mov
I've got a letter that rode on the Challenger on the next to last flight. It is postedmarked the day before takeoff, while in space (airmail lol) , and the day after landing. Definately something to keep.