[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 73 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]







108th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 73

   Remembering and honoring the heroic lives of astronauts Air Force 
    Lieutenant Colonel Michael Anderson and Navy Commander William 
                           ``Willie'' McCool.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 4, 2003

 Ms. Cantwell (for herself, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Reid, and Mr. Brownback) 
 submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Remembering and honoring the heroic lives of astronauts Air Force 
    Lieutenant Colonel Michael Anderson and Navy Commander William 
                           ``Willie'' McCool.

Whereas mankind lost 7 heroes with the tragic explosion of the Space Shuttle 
        Columbia on February 1, 2003;
Whereas the families and friends of the 7 astronauts, the National Aeronautics 
        and Space Administration, the entire Nation, and people around the world 
        who followed the historic mission will deeply miss the 7 crew members of 
        the Space Shuttle Columbia;
Whereas the astronauts made an important contribution as models of bravery, 
        courage, and excellence for men, women, and children around the world;
Whereas 2 of these heroes, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael Anderson and 
        Navy Commander William ``Willie'' McCool, are particularly close to the 
        hearts of residents of the State of Washington;
Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Anderson was a beloved son of the Spokane community 
        since moving there at the age of 11, and a cherished hero for men, 
        women, and children in Washington;
Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Anderson was a hero, long before accepting the 
        challenge of the Columbia mission, for leading a life characterized by 
        courage, achievement against many odds, and sacrifice for this country;
Whereas the story of Lieutenant Colonel Anderson is even more remarkable in 
        light of the barriers to success that young African-Americans in this 
        country have had to overcome;
Whereas this remarkable story has long been shared at the childhood church of 
        Lieutenant Colonel Anderson and throughout the Spokane African-American 
        community, and has inspired a generation of children;
Whereas throughout his early education in Spokane area public schools, 
        Lieutenant Colonel Anderson focused on voyaging to space as an astronaut 
        and became an exceptional science student;
Whereas since becoming an astronaut in 1994, Lieutenant Colonel Anderson took to 
        heart the special responsibility of serving as a role model for children 
        around the country and back home;
Whereas after his 1998 flight on the Space Shuttle Endeavor to the Mir Space 
        Station, Lieutenant Colonel Anderson returned to Cheney High School in 
        Spokane and told a crowd of enthralled students that dreams such as his 
        of becoming an astronaut can be achieved with hard work and clear goals;
Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Anderson embodied excellence and provided a 
        triumphant example of accomplishment for Americans of all colors, races, 
        and backgrounds;
Whereas the Washington family lost another dear friend in Commander McCool, who 
        made Anacortes, Washington his home during 2 periods of service at Naval 
        Air Station Whidbey Island;
Whereas community members remember Commander McCool for his kindness, 
        professionalism, and love of his children;
Whereas Commander McCool continued to pay visits to the Anacortes community and 
        was a cherished member of the community; and
Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Anderson and Navy Commander McCool will be missed but 
        never forgotten: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate remembers and honors the heroic lives of 
astronauts Lieutenant Colonel Michael Anderson and Commander William 
McCool.
                                 <all>