    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [August 26, 2003]
    [Page 1065]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1065]]

    Statement on the Report of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board
    August 26, 2003

        Today the Columbia Accident Investigation Board released its report
    on the tragic accident that claimed the lives of seven brave astronauts.
    These men and women assumed great risk in service to all humanity. On
    behalf of a grateful Nation, I once again recognize their sacrifices and
    those of their loved ones. Their service will never be forgotten.
        Our Nation also owes its appreciation to Admiral Harold Gehman,
    Jr. (retired) as well as the other 12
    members of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. As Board Chair,
    Admiral Gehman and his team have worked tirelessly over the past seven
    months conducting an exhaustive review of the circumstances surrounding
    this accident. The next steps for NASA under Sean O'Keefe's leadership must be determined after a thorough review of
    the entire report, including its recommendations.
        Our journey into space will go on. The work of the crew of the
    Columbia and the heroic explorers who traveled before them will
    continue.