DOCSLIB.ORG

1774 Astronaut's Widow Visits

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
1774 Astronaut's Widow Visits DUNHAM FAMILY Houston Baptist University July-September 2006 Vol. 3, No. 4 Dear Abby – 1774 Astronaut’s Widow Visits HBU In September 1774, a Congress of representatives from the Evelyn Husband, widow thirteen colonies assembled in Philadelphia. Their task? — consider of space shuttle Columbia what to do about the British restrictions on colonial liberties. Samuel commander Rick Husband, Adams nominated Rev. Jacob Duchè, an Episcopalian clergyman from was a special guest at HBU Philadelphia, to give the opening prayer in the Congress. When reading and the Dunham Family his prayers and the appointed Psalm for the day, Rev. Duchè read from Bible Museum this spring. The Book of Common Prayer, first composed by Thomas Cranmer, During her inspiring talk at whose many-faceted work in bringing the Bible to the English people is convocation, Mrs. Husband described elsewhere in this newsletter. gave a personal description of the events surrounding the Columbia’s break-up over Texas on February 1, 2003. There was hardly a dry eye in the audience as Mrs. Husband described the Christian journey of Rick Husband, his devotion to his family, and the Scriptures important to Evelyn Husband, widow of astronaut them through their trials. Rick Husband, continues to rely on Commander Husband God and the Bible for her strength had spoken a few words to and comfort. the assembled crew and their spouses the evening before Columbia’s launch. With a voice full of emotions, he quoted Joshua 1:7, “Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you should have good success 19th century engraving of the First Prayer in Congress wherever you go.” While visiting the Bible Museum, Mrs. Husband discussed how frequently this passage from Joshua came up in the John Adams, attending the Congress, wrote his wife Abigail a events following the flight. When the state of Israel issued a postage thrilling description of this opening prayer in Congress. Adams wrote stamp in memory of Ilan Ramon, who was the first Israeli astronaut and that Rev. Duchè: was making his first flight on Columbia, the Scripture from Joshua 1:7 read several prayers in the established form, and then read the was printed on the stamp. Psalm. You must remember this was the next morning after we heard Though Commander Husband had wanted to be an astronaut since the terrible rumor of the cannonading of Boston. I never saw greater a small boy, more important to him was that he be a faithful servant affect upon an audience. It seemed as if Heaven had ordained that to God and a godly husband and father for his family. In the funeral Psalm [35] to be read on that morning. After this, Mr. Duchè, very instructions Rick Husband left in the event of a failure in Columbia’s unexpectedly to every body, struck out into an extemporary prayer, flight, he wrote, “Tell ‘em about Jesus! – That He isreal to me. which filled the bosom of every man present. I must confess I never Proverbs 3:5-6, Colossains 3:23.” heard a better prayer or one so well pronounced…It has had an Just two days after her husband’s death. Evelyn appeared on excellent effect upon every body here. I must beg you to read that “Good Morning America” to read a statement from the astronauts’ Psalm. families. Katie Couric asked Evelyn how she would like her husband to As we reflect on Independence Day and our country’s beginnings, be remembered. Evelyn replied, why not heed John’s entreaty to Abigail and read Psalm 35, which so When Rick autographed pictures for people, he always put a stirred the hearts of our country’s founders? Scripture on it that was Proverbs 3:5-6, which says ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your “LET THEM SHOUT FOR JOY, AND BE GLAD THAT ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.’ And FAVOR MY RIGHTEOUS CAUSE: YEA, LET THEM SAY that has been a blessing to me and Rick. And now it’s a blessing to me CONTINUALLY, LET THE LORD BE MAGNIFIED, WHICH because I don’t understand any of this, but I do trust the Lord. And so that’s been a tremendous comfort. HAS PLEASURE IN THE PROSPERITY OF HIS SERVANT.” Psalm 35:27 CONTINUED ON PG. 2 In briefly describing her thoughts and emotions and sharing accounts of events after Columbia’s fall to earth, Mrs. Husband shared how she received strength from the Bible to face the days ahead. She could turn to Jesus for comfort, because Isaiah 53:3 told her He was a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief; He knew how she felt. Psalm 147:3 re-assured her that God heals the brokenhearted and binds the wounds. From Revelation 21:4, she knew that her husband now was with Jesus, where there were no tears, no death, no mourning. Psalm 56:8 told her that God keeps track of each one of our sorrows. In the midst of the sorrow of loosing her loving husband, the wonderful father of her children, and her best friend, Evelyn Husband gave us an example of the truth Jesus spoke in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 450 Years Later – The Scriptural Legacy of a Cranmer’s burning at the stake, as shown in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. Christian Martyr Secondly, in the Articles of Religion for the Church, Cranmer A central tourist site clearly stated the sufficiency “of the holy Scriptures for salvation” in Oxford, England is and asserted that “it is not the Martyrs’ Memorial, lawful for the church to ordain a Victorian monument in anything that is contrary to honor of the three 16th God’s written Word.” century leaders of the English Thirdly, Cranmer wrote Reformation who under a series of sermons in English Queen Mary were burned at which explained key Christian the stake for their faith. Hugh truths from the Scriptures and Latimer and Nicholas Ridley the fathers of the early church. met their fiery deaths together The first sermon in the series in October 1555. Thomas was “A Fruitful Exhortation Cranmer, Archbishop of to the reading and knowledge Canterbury, followed them to of the holy Scripture.” Here the flames on March 21, 1556. again Cranmer encouraged When Queen Mary the individual, daily reading required all England to submit of Scripture and explained the to the Pope’s authority in the transforming power reading Church, Cranmer struggled the Bible regularly would have with the tension between the in the Christian’s life. He also Christian’s duty to submit explained the importance of Thomas Cranmer, to the government powers prayer and the work of the Archbishop of Canterbury (Romans 13) and the necessity Holy Spirit in making the 1533-1556 Martyrs’ Memorial, of following the Bible’s Scripture understandable to the Oxford, England authority alone in the rule of reader. faith. In the end, Cranmer’s Finally, in The Book of Common Prayer, Cranmer made the conviction in the supreme English Scripture (not the Latin liturgy) the basis and foundation of the authority of Scripture held, and he courageously met his death. Church’s worship. Two thirds of The Book of Common Prayer comes Thomas Cranmer’s influence and legacy continued long after from Scripture. Cranmer provided a pattern of daily Scripture reading the flames which consumed his body had died. As one of the prime in which readers read through the book of Psalms each month and the architects of the Reformation in the Church of England, Cranmer entire Bible every two years. elevated the position of Scripture in the life of the Church. When he Thomas Cranmer left a strong legacy of the Scriptures to the became Archbishop in 1533, possessing a portion of the Scriptures English people, a legacy that continues among English speaking people in English was still illegal. However, in the midst of the political and of many different races throughout the world today. He is among the religious turmoil during the reign of King Henry VIII (with his six many who sacrificed their lives that we might have the Scriptures. It is wives) and Henry’s heir, King Edward, Cranmer steadily worked to appropriate we remember his work during the 450th anniversary of his bring the Scriptures to the people. He did this in four main ways. martyrdom. First, he encouraged the 1539 publication of the English Bible, which, because of its size, became known as the Great Bible, a copy of “TO A CHRISTIAN MAN, THERE CAN BE NOTHING EITHER which was required to be placed in every church in England. Cranmer’s MORE NECESSARY OR PROFITABLE, THAN THE KNOWLEDGE OF Preface to the Great Bible encouraged the individual’s personal, daily HOLY SCRIPTURE, FORASMUCH AS IN IT IS CONTAINED GOD’S reading of the Scripture. He quoted extensively from the fourth century TRUE WORD, SETTING FORTH HIS GLORY AND ALSO MAN’S church father John Chrysostom to show that reading of the Bible by the DUTY individual Christian was a practice encouraged in the early church. .” From Cranmer’s sermon on the reading of Scripture 2 “Blessed Lord, who has caused all holy Scriptures Cranmer on Reading the Bible to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, and inwardly The 1540 second edition of the Great Bible, and numerous Bibles digest them, that by patience and comfort of your following, included a Preface by Thomas Cranmer.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Entire Issue (PDF)
    E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 113 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION Vol. 159 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2013 No. 16 House of Representatives The House met at 2 p.m. and was lic for which it stands, one nation under God, The Navy has told us too it will can- called to order by the Speaker. indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. cel maintenance on 23 ships, reduce fly- f f ing hours on deployed aircraft carriers by 55 percent, cancel submarine deploy- TIME TO SUBMIT A CREDIBLE PRAYER ments, and reduce steaming days by 22 PLAN The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick percent. J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: (Ms. FOXX asked and was given per- The Bipartisan Policy Center has Eternal God, we give You thanks for mission to address the House for 1 warned us that 1 million jobs will be giving us another day. minute and to revise and extend her re- lost if sequester happens. We thank You that we are a Nation marks.) What is the response of the majority fashioned out of diverse peoples and Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, families party? The Budget chair, Mr. RYAN, cultures, brought forth on this con- budget, small businesses budget, cities simply said, ‘‘Sequester is going to tinent in a way not unlike the ancient budget, churches budget, schools budg- happen. We can’t afford to lose those people of Israel. As out of a desert, You et, my state of North Carolina budgets, cuts.’’ led our American ancestors to this but Washington does not.
    [Show full text]
  • NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia
    Order Code RS21408 Updated February 19, 2003 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia: Quick Facts and Issues for Congress Marcia S. Smith Specialist in Aerospace and Telecommunications Policy Resources, Science, and Industry Division Summary On February 1, 2003, NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart while returning to Earth from a 16-day science mission in orbit. All seven astronauts — six Americans and one Israeli — were killed. An investigation is underway. This report provides quick facts about Columbia, her crew, the STS-107 mission, the status of the investigation, and a brief discussion of issues for Congress. Additional information on the space shuttle program is available in CRS Issue Brief IB93062. CRS Reports RS21411 and RS21419 describe space shuttle funding, and provide excerpts from recent reports and hearings on shuttle safety, respectively. This report will be updated often. The Loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia The space shuttle Columbia was launched on its STS-107 mission on January 16, 2003. After completing a 16-day scientific research mission, Columbia started its descent to Earth on the morning of February 1, 2003. As it descended from orbit, approximately 16 minutes before its scheduled landing at Kennedy Space Center, FL, Columbia broke apart over northeastern Texas. All seven astronauts aboard were killed. They were Commander Rick Husband; Pilot William McCool; Mission Specialists Michael P. Anderson, David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Laurel Clark; and payload specialist Ilan Ramon, an Israeli. The last communication with Columbia was at about 09:00 EST. The shuttle was at an altitude of 207,135 feet, traveling at a speed of Mach 18.3 (about 13,000 miles per hour).
    [Show full text]
  • Kritser Conference Room, Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport 10801 Airport Blvd Amarillo, Texas
    CITY OF AMARILLO, TEXAS NOTICE OF MEETING & AGENDA AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD Regular Meeting to be held on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. in the Kritser Conference Room, Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport 10801 Airport Blvd Amarillo, Texas. Please note: The Airport Advisory Boardmay take items out of the ordershown on the Agenda. Allor part of any agenda item may be discussed in an executive session at any time during a meeting, as may be necessary and allowed by state law. Votes or final decisions are made only in open Regular or Special meetings, not in a worksession or executive session. REGULAR MEETING 1. Minutes: Approval of the Airport Advisory Board minutes of the regular meeting held on July 10, 2017. 2. Consider and Recommendation: Consider authorizing display of artwork in terminal building and take appropriate action. 3. Presentation and Discussion of Airport Activities and Projects: a. Master Plan Status b. Minimum Standards/Rules/Regulations Update c. Apron Isolated Panel Replacement d. CCTV and Access Control System Timeline e. Air Service Development Initiatives / Airline Update f. Mechanical System Upgrade g. FAA Part 139 Certification Inspection h. East End Drainage Project i. Customer Impression Projects i. Rental Car Return Sign ii. Airport Entrance Sign/Flag Pole iii. Bag Claim Area and CVC Display iv. Rick Husband/NASA Tribute Area j. Industrial Aviation Development k. Special Use Airspace Consideration I. Ground Transportation and TNCs m. Marketing Efforts 4. Public Forum: Interested citizens may comment on matters pertaining to policies, programs or services of the Department of Aviation or this Board that are not on this agenda.
    [Show full text]
  • NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia
    Order Code RS21408 Updated July 9, 2003 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia: Quick Facts and Issues for Congress Marcia S. Smith Specialist in Aerospace and Telecommunications Policy Resources, Science, and Industry Division Summary On February 1, 2003, NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart while returning to Earth from a 16-day science mission in orbit. All seven astronauts — six Americans and one Israeli — were killed. An investigation is underway. This report provides quick facts about Columbia, her crew, the STS-107 mission, the status of the investigation (including preliminary recommendations from the investigation board), and a brief discussion of issues for Congress. Additional information on the space shuttle program is available in CRS Issue Brief IB93062, CRS Report RS21411, and CRS Report RS21419. This report will be updated regularly. The Loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia The space shuttle Columbia was launched on its STS-107 mission on January 16, 2003. After completing a 16-day scientific research mission, Columbia started its descent to Earth on the morning of February 1, 2003. As it descended from orbit, approximately 16 minutes before its scheduled landing at Kennedy Space Center, FL, Columbia broke apart over northeastern Texas. All seven astronauts aboard were killed. They were Commander Rick Husband; Pilot William McCool; Mission Specialists Michael P. Anderson, David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Laurel Clark; and payload specialist Ilan Ramon, an Israeli. The last communication with Columbia was at about 09:00 EST. The shuttle was at an altitude of 207,135 feet, traveling at a speed of Mach 18.3 (about 13,000 miles per hour).
    [Show full text]
  • The Shuttle Era Ends
    The Shuttle Era Ends NSAS photo by Bill Ingalls 102 AIR FORCE Magazine / September 2011 The Shuttle Era Ends Thirty years of US space shuttle operations came to an end when Atlantis touched down for the final time July 21. Photography by NASA photographers The gantry rolls back from space shuttle Discovery in the hours before its final flight. It waits on Pad 39A, also used for the Apollo missions to the moon. Inset: NASA’s patch commemorating 30 years of the shuttle pro- gram includes five five-pointed stars representing the five orbiters, and 14 other stars memorializing the astronauts who lost their lives during shuttle operations. AIR FORCE Magazine / September 2011 103 1 he shuttle program was meant Tto make access to space cheap and routine. While that goal was never fully achieved, the program proved it could launch payloads, service them in orbit, and bring them back if neces- sary. |1| Columbia on its maiden flight in April 1981. NASA quit painting the large fuel tank on later missions, sav- ing great weight. |2| Enterprise—yes, President Ford assented to fan re- quests to name it after the “Star Trek” ship—rode up to its glide tests aboard NASA/Smithsonian/Lockheed photo a specially configured 747. The jumbo jet later carried shuttles from land- ings in California back to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 2 104 AIR FORCE Magazine / September 2011 1 2 |1| Enterprise was a full-size, full-weight test vehicle built only to prove glide handling after re-entry. It never flew in space.
    [Show full text]
  • News Release
    NEWS RELEASE Contact: Communications Department, (281) 244-2122, [email protected] Space Center Houston Opens Independence Plaza with a Bang HOUSTON, Jan. 23, 2016 – A spectacular grand opening celebration marked the unveiling of Space Center Houston’s newest exhibit, complete with fireworks, astronauts and an incredible interactive experience inside the one-of-a-kind exhibit, Independence Plaza presented by Boeing. “It was an unforgettable day for the world and our center,” said Richard E. Allen Jr., president and CEO of the educationally focused nonprofit museum, Space Center Houston. “Visitors celebrated the historic day and the launch of the world-class exhibit symbolizing one of America’s greatest accomplishments in space exploration.” Years in the making, the extraordinary day themed “Mission Accomplished” welcomed visitors from all over the world to be a part of the historic opening. For the first time, the nonprofit opened the eight-story- tall multiple-exhibit complex, featuring the first shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905 and the high-fidelity shuttle replica Independence. Set around the magnificent new exhibit complex, the day kicked off with an exciting opening ceremony and a T-10 countdown to celebrate the monumental day. Visitors heard from NASA Johnson Space Center Director and astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa, who was integral in obtaining the extraordinary vehicles featured in the international landmark. Laura Husband, daughter of the late astronaut Col. Rick Husband, sang the National Anthem while RE/MAX skydivers landed at the event and the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard presented the colors. Space Center Houston President and CEO Richard Allen told the crowd about the ambitious project and why bringing such a grand exhibit to life was important to the nonprofit.
    [Show full text]
  • 1) Rules and Regulations
    City of Amarillo 10801 Airport Blvd. Amarillo, Texas 79111 (806) 335-1671 Rules and Regulations City of Amarillo Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) May 8, 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS ............................................................................................... 1 1.1. Purpose ................................................................................................................. 1 1.2. Definitions ............................................................................................................. 1 1.3. Governing Body ................................................................................................... 1 1.4. Authority to Adopt ............................................................................................... 1 1.5. Statement of Policy .............................................................................................. 2 1.6. Non-Discrimination .............................................................................................. 2 1.7. Airport Management ............................................................................................ 2 1.8. Effective Date ....................................................................................................... 2 1.9. Compliance with Legal Requirements and Agreements ................................... 3 1.10. Conflicting Legal Requirements and Agreements ............................................ 3 1.11. Right to Self-Service ...........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 'Cup Is Much, Much Fuller'
    FORT BLISS’ ONLY AUTHORIZED NEWSPAPER r 2018 ation fo Public Print s Best . Army’ Named U.S Army veterans find Command teams gain healing in underwater memorial n 8A understanding at SHARP forum n 1B Thursday, August 22, 2019 Connect with the Bugle at: Fort Bliss, Texas @FortBlissTexas 1st AD and Fort Bliss fortblissbugle.com • Click on the eEdition Spc. Avery Howard Gen. Mark A. Milley speaks to soldiers at Qa- yyarah Airfield West, Iraq, Dec. 22, 2017. Milley discusses Army changes as he passes authority By Jim Garamone | Defense.gov WASHINGTON – The Army has experienced fundamental, generational change in the past four years under the leadership of Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley. The general turned over the reins of America’s senior service in a ceremony Aug. 9 to Gen. James C. McConville. The Senate has confirmed Milley to suc- ceed Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the end of September. >> LETHAL AT RANGE Milley spoke about his term as chief Spc. Matthew Marcellus / 1st Armored Division of staff in a wide-ranging interview in Sgt. John Sis, an infantry Soldier, assigned to 4th Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division and native his now empty office. of Annapolis, Maryland, assumes a shooting position with his M110 semi-automatic sniper system in order to test the application of his ghillie suit, a When Milley became chief of staff in camouflage clothing system, prior to the stalking event portion of the Iron Sniper 2019 competition at Fort Bliss, Aug.
    [Show full text]
  • Congressional Record—Senate S1927
    February 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1927 country in remembering the seven the Moon experienced powerful joy and carried into space by the shuttle. So all brave crewmembers of the Space Shut- monumental success, and yet we have Utahans join in expressing our condo- tle Columbia who tragically lost their faced tremendous setbacks and ex- lences to the families, and our deter- lives last Saturday morning, February treme sorrow. But we have persevered, mination that space exploration by 1, 2003. and we have continued our missions this country will nonetheless still go Rick Husband, William McCool, Mi- into the heavens. forward. chael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, From our colleague John Glenn and Mrs. HUTCHISON. Madam President, David M. Brown, Laurel Blair Salton Allan Shepherd to Neil Armstrong to Senator NELSON and I attended, along Clark, and Ilan Ramon gave their lives an international space station, and with many other Senators, the beau- trying to expand our knowledge of from the crew of Challenger and the tiful service yesterday honoring these science, advance our technology, and crew of Columbia, we must continue to brave astronauts that we now know so broaden the limits of our universe. challenge ourselves as they challenged much more about. Today the Senate is These seven courageous astronauts themselves. We must continue to bet- commemorating these Columbia astro- sacrificed their lives for our future. ter ourselves as a nation and continue nauts and reconfirming the importance While this is a time of great sadness, it to grow. to our country that space research has is also a time to take great pride in President Kennedy challenged Amer- been and will continue to be.
    [Show full text]
  • NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia
    Order Code RS21408 Updated February 4, 2003 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia: Quick Facts and Issues for Congress Marcia S. Smith Specialist in Aerospace and Telecommunications Policy Resources, Science, and Industry Division Summary On February 1, 2003, NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart while returning to Earth from a 16-day science mission in orbit. All seven astronauts — six Americans and one Israeli — were killed. An investigation is underway. This report provides quick facts about Columbia, her crew, the STS-107 mission, the status of the investigation, and a brief discussion of issues for Congress. Additional information on the space shuttle program is available in CRS Issue Brief IB93062 and CRS Report RL31347. This report will be updated as events warrant. The Loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia The space shuttle Columbia was launched on its STS-107 mission on January 16, 2003. After completing a 16-day scientific research mission, Columbia started its descent to Earth on the morning of February 1, 2003. As it descended from orbit, approximately 16 minutes before its scheduled landing at Kennedy Space Center, FL, Columbia broke apart over northeastern Texas. All seven astronauts aboard were killed. They were Commander Rick Husband; Pilot William McCool; Mission Specialists Michael P. Anderson, David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Laurel Clark; and payload specialist Ilan Ramon, an Israeli. The last communication with Columbia was at about 09:00 EST. The shuttle was at an altitude of 207,135 feet, traveling at a speed of Mach 18.3 (about 13,000 miles per hour).
    [Show full text]
  • Taking Flight: Welcome Letter
    www.fly-ama.com Table of Contents Taking Flight: Welcome Letter ........................................................ 4 Taking Flight Mission ...................................................................... 5 Airport History ............................................................................... 6 Airport Operations ......................................................................... 7 Airport Future .............................................................................. 11 Amarillo: A Great Place to Live and Work .................................... 12 Amarillo Population Statistics ....................................................... 16 Amarillo Household Profile Overview .......................................... 17 Amarillo Cost of Living Profile Overview .................................. 18 Amarillo Facts: Education, Labor, Industry, Climate, Quality of Life Overview ............................ 19 Amarillo Transportation Section Overview .................................. 24 Amarillo Government & Utilities Section Overview ................. 25 Amarillo Government Structure & Tax Rates .......................... 27 Amarillo Retail Section Overview ............................................. 28 Contact ....................................................................................... 30 Taking Flight Thank you for your interest in development As a progressive airport and growing city, our opportunities at the Rick Husband Amarillo resources are excellent to be able to provide International Airport
    [Show full text]
  • Remarks by the Honorable Sean O'keefe
    Remarks by the Honorable Sean O’Keefe NASA Administrator STS-107 Crew Memorial Ceremony NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center Cape Canaveral, Florida February 7, 2003 This is the place where our space exploration dreams take flight. From here seven courageous astronauts sailed to the heavens on their daring adventure of exploration and discovery. This is where great lives are defined by great purposes. Throughout our history, people have always marveled when great ships leave their ports and venture out beyond the horizon. When the history of our time is written, future generations will always know that the port that sent spirits and spacecraft soaring was named Kennedy. It is from this port that forty-one years ago this month mission control uttered the words, “God-speed John Glenn,” as this original seven Mercury astronaut became the first American to orbit the Earth. It was from this port that our Apollo moon voyagers set forth, coming in peace for all mankind. 1 “Mystery creates wonder, and wonder is the basis of man’s desire to understand,” said Neil Armstrong, the hero whose very next footprint after he stepped away from the sandy soil here in Florida some 34 years ago came on the lunar soil at Tranquility Base. Yes, great lives are defined by great purposes. It was from here, too, that spacecraft were sent to explore the planets and moons of our solar system, sending back images of fascinating places that humans yearn to explore in the century ahead. Twenty-two years ago, from here, Columbia the new gem of our ocean of space, launched on her maiden voyage with the outstanding crew of John Young, and Bob Crippen, who we are honored to have on our stage today.
    [Show full text]