[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE TO THE FAMILIES OF THE CREW OF THE 
            SPACE SHUTTLE ``COLUMBIA''--HOUSE RESOLUTION 51

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2003

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues in support of 
H. Res. 51, a resolution expressing condolences to the families of the 
crew of the space shuttle Columbia. Together, our nation, the people of 
Israel and the entire world grieve the loss of these seven heroes and 
remember their extraordinary lives.
  In the days following this terrible tragedy, millions of Americans 
have struggled to cope with the loss of these astronauts. We have 
worried about the ramifications of this accident for the future of our 
space program. But this past Tuesday, I was reminded by the students of 
the Farnsworth Aerospace Elementary School in Saint Paul, Minnesota 
that this tragedy can not diminish our hopes or dampen our desire to go 
after our dreams.
  In a touching memorial service, the Farnsworth students recalled the 
history of the space program and told the stories of the seven 
astronauts that they regarded as their heroes. Even as they expressed 
their sadness about the loss of these astronauts, the students shared 
their undeterred dreams to travel to space some day.
  Like the Columbia astronauts, the students of Farnsworth Aerospace 
Elementary School have always understood that travel into space is 
remarkable, but never routine, ordinary or without risk. While men and 
women across America mourn this tragic event, we must remember that our 
nation will overcome this tragedy and once again allow mankind to 
venture into space.
  The students of Farnsworth Aerospace Elementary School serve as an 
inspiration to us all. As they keep reaching for the stars, I will hold 
onto hope that some day, they will make it there.

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