    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [January 20, 1996]
    [Pages 75-76]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Return of the Space Shuttle Endeavour Astronauts in
    Houston
    January 20, 1996

        Ladies and gentlemen, I am so glad that I happened to be in Houston
    and at the airport at the right time. I just want to take a minute--I
    know you came to see this fine crew and their families and to celebrate
    with them--but I just want to say on behalf of the people of the United
    States, we are very proud of this mission, proud of this crew. We were
    thrilled

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    by its success, and we're glad to have them home.
        And let me just make one plug to--I know that I'm preaching to the
    saved here, but I want to make one plug for the space program. You see
    all of our friends and allies from Japan here celebrating their
    participation in the person--where is he?--of Mr. Wakata. We thank him.
        Our space program is an important part of our partnership for world
    peace. It is an important part of how we relate to and work with the
    Japanese, the Russians, and others in building a more cooperative, safer
    world for the 21st century. Our space program is also an important part
    of research we do in trying to solve medical mysteries and environmental
    mysteries. NASA has been a major, major force in helping us to figure
    out ways to save our planet Earth as we accommodate more population
    growth and more economic growth. So I ask all of you, remain steadfast
    in your support for America's investment in space and in our future
    together with our friends and allies throughout the world.
        Thank you. God bless you.
        Welcome home, gentlemen. Job well done.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:20 p.m. at Ellington Field. In his
    remarks, he referred to Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata. A tape was not
    available for verification of the content of these remarks.