[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE PROGRESS AND INSPIRATION OF NASA

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                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Mr. GRAYSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible 
innovations and inspiring achievements of NASA on the 52nd anniversary 
of their founding. As the world's space pioneers, NASA has pushed the 
boundaries of the possible, contributing significant scientific 
discovery along the way.
  NASA was established when President Eisenhower signed the National 
Aeronautics and Space Act 52 years ago today. Soon after, NASA sent the 
first U.S. astronaut into space through Project Mercury--Alan B. 
Shepard, Jr., and shortly thereafter, John Glenn became the first U.S. 
Astronaut to orbit the earth. NASA built upon this success with Project 
Gemini, collecting information on weightlessness, space docking, 
reentry, and executing spacewalks. Finally, in 1969, Project Apollo 
fulfilled President Kennedy's bold ambition to send a man to the moon 
before the end of the decade. We all watched as Neil Armstrong took 
mankind's first steps on the moon and affirmed America's place as the 
technological leaders of the modern world.
  In words that were as poetic as the occasion was meaningful, 
Armstrong said, ``That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for 
mankind.'' Buzz Aldrin quickly joined Armstrong on the moon as Michael 
Collins continued to circle overhead. I was 11 years old that day. I 
joined people everywhere in watching and celebrating this tremendous 
collective accomplishment. I remember it clearly. My family was on 
vacation, but I had persuaded my parents to let me stay in the hotel 
room alone all day to watch the television, so I could see these giant 
men take those giant steps. Their mission was a landmark moment for 
America, for the world, and for all time. Americans are still inspired 
by these men and their mission to travel over 250,000 miles of dead 
space to reach our closest celestial neighbor. I remember thinking then 
that humankind as a species is capable of true greatness. While wolves 
howl at the moon, humans visit it.
  NASA has conducted many more space flights since that historic day, 
and it constantly strives to contribute to humanity's knowledge of the 
universe and ourselves. It inspired a generation to pursue careers in 
science and engineering, and to believe in the power of American 
society. Alone in that hotel room, watching TV, I certainly felt a 
lasting sense of meaning--a connection to those three brave astronauts. 
Those astronauts represented, in that moment, America's destiny. A 
destiny shared by the thousands of men and women who worked to make it 
happen.
  NASA's efforts continue today, but their legacy is already assured. 
From inspiring children to dream to inventing the water filter, NASA 
has shaped American society in ways we can hardly begin to count. In 
this, the most competitive, technology-oriented century man has ever 
known, we are lucky to have an institution like NASA. An institution 
that will continue to spur us to achieve what was once thought 
impossible.
  Central Florida is proud of NASA and all that it has done. As a 
member of the Science and Technology Committee, I have great respect 
and admiration for NASA's contributions to space exploration. NASA has 
been, and continues to be, a positive and productive force for the 
advancement of our Nation's interests. I look forward to watching as 
they continue to carry us into the future.

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