[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 41 (Wednesday, April 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING THE CITY OF NASSAU BAY'S ASTRONAUT DAY FESTIVAL

 Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I rise to commend the city of 
Nassau Bay for its efforts to celebrate the development of space 
exploration and the international cooperation associated with it. 
Nassau Bay is hosting a special day of recognition for America's 
astronauts and their Russian counterparts on April 12, 1997. In 
addition, the State of Texas has proudly honored these brave men and 
women by declaring April 12th ``Space Explorers' Day'' in Texas. I rise 
today to appropriately recognize this day in the U.S. Senate.
  Nassau Bay is located near NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Center. The 
community has been integrally involved in this Nation's space 
exploration activities since we began the space program a generation 
ago. Nassau Bay residents were among those to walk on the Moon and 
provide the technical and managerial support necessary for America's 
successful space program. Today, Nassau Bay is still critical to NASA's 
manned space mission. Nassau Bay rightfully celebrates the continuation 
of that mission by hosting ``Astronaut Day'' on April 12.
  Astronaut Day celebrates the men and women who have expanded 
humankind's horizons and recognizes the technological advances 
resulting from their work that have been incorporated into our everyday 
lives. I join Nassau Bay and the State of Texas in honoring the many 
dedicated men and women who devote their time and talents to helping 
this Nation realize the cherished dream of space exploration. They have 
truly broadened the frontiers of knowledge and their outstanding 
accomplishments are worthy of special recognition.
  Mr. President, I appreciate this opportunity to give Nassau Bay the 
recognition it deserves in the U.S. Senate. I urge my colleagues to 
join me, the city of Nassau Bay, and the State of Texas in reflecting 
on the important contributions our space pioneers and explorers have 
made to history, science, and the quality of our lives on this 
planet.

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