~ IN LOVING MEMORY OF STS-107 ~

When man took wings to fly he was flying by the seat of his pants on the brink of an adventure that would catapult us into the twenty-first century at the speed of sound. These astronauts were aeronautical pioneers, people who had the courage to risk going where few had dared to venture. In the face of this horrible tragedy, remember they were doing something they loved to do. How many of us can say that about our lives? They've died, yes, but they are true American heroes.

That's beautiful, Misti. Moving.

High Flight

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds -- and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of -- wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

by RCAF Flight-Lieutenant John Gillespie Magee Jr. (1922-1941)

edgarblythe, thank you.

I was just reading the NASA page on the spinoffs of the Space Program. So many people question the validity of the program when there are so many problems on earth.

After reading all the benefits derived from the space program, I am no longer questioning it.

Here's the link.

Webpage Title

Joanne, lovely thoughts and a beautiful tribute!

Another great site worth reading.

Webpage Title

Misti thank very informative I did not know that all of those things came from our adventures in space. My belief is that the program will continue now more than ever and that Bush will release the money needed for the Mars project.

On the news I saw a spot where the reporter was interviwing folks in Cocoa Beach in a cafe. I looked for you and Rae.

Joanne, it really is very informative. Most people don't realize the benefits we've derived from space exploration, just in medicine alone! We've come so far in such a short time, thanks to the bravery of people like the crew of STS-107 and the Challenger.

God bless them.

I feel certain that the astronauts would have wished for us to continue the space program and to make it stronger.

I agree Edgar ... when you think of it, with all of the flights/launches we've had the accident rate is incredibly low. Chances are much greater of having an automobile accident, or an accident crossing the street.

"He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man."

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

He's a beautiful writer, author of The Little Prince, but a pilot all his life until lost in the (?) English Channel. His memoir, Wind, Sand and Stars is a nice inspirational read.

:-(

william mccool attended middle and high school here on guam. he married a local girl. he was also carrying a guam flag aboard the shuttle.

Let's not forget the Israeli and Indian heroes who were aboard. We're truly a family of humankind.

It's so sad when we lose the best among us.

In Memory of the Columbia Space Shuttle

* 16 Minutes from Home

In 16 minutes we'd be home again,
in 16 minutes we'd be on American soil,
in 16 minutes we'd be united with family,
in 16 minutes we'd be done with the toil.

In a moment we knew we were in trouble,
in a moment we knew we were going away,
in a moment we knew we must say good-bye,
in a moment we knew it was time to pray.

In a second we felt the the love of God,
in a second we felt the wind of His wings,
in a second we felt the call to come home,
in a second we felt the joy He brings.

In an instant we were set free,
in an instant we were granted release,
in an instant we were in God's arms,
in an instant we were at perfect peace.

In Memory of the Seven,
Pam

"High Flight"

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

I am still in shock, as I believe the whole country/world is.

Mustang, we all are in shock, just as it was when Challenger blew up, and WTC was attacked, we go numb!

Human reaction I would think, some of us even detach, to save from hurting so much.