[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING LTC MICHAEL P. ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CATHY McMORRIS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  Miss McMORRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the dedication of 
the Michael P. Anderson Memorial Statue in Spokane, WA, and to 
posthumously honor LTC Michael P. Anderson for paying the ultimate 
sacrifice while serving his country, his community, and each one of us 
by challenging the constraints of this world. As not only an astronaut, 
but a man committed to his family and community, Anderson continues to 
inspire us even though he is gone.
  Anderson died aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia as it entered the 
Earth's atmosphere on February 1, 2003. He was the payload commander on 
this flight and a mission specialist, responsible for the science 
portion of the mission. Having a long and distinguished career with 
both the United States Air Force and NASA, Lieutenant Colonel Anderson 
exemplified hard work and a determination to reach his dreams.
  As a native and resident of the Spokane region, Michael Anderson 
graduated from Cheney High School in 1977 and went on to pursue a 
Bachelor of Science in physics/astronomy from University of Washington, 
and a Master of Science in physics from Creighton University. Anderson 
leaves behind his two daughters, Kaycee and Sydney, and his wife, 
Sandra.
  As an African-American, he was an inspiration and testament that men 
and women of every race, with the aid of hard work and determination, 
can rise to meet their goals. From a young age he dreamed of being an 
astronaut, and as a result he became a local hero and national 
inspiration.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor LTC Michael P. Anderson for his 
spirit and sacrifice. I invite my colleagues to join me in remembering 
and honoring Lieutenant Colonel Anderson for his service to our country 
and the community of eastern Washington, and for the debt we owe him 
for never losing his sense of wonder.

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