Tribute to Space Shuttle Columbia

Tribute to Space Shuttle Columbia

We can all remember those moments when we’ve walked outside of our homes on a cool crisp night and looked to the sky. We can remember the way our breath was taken away by the beauty above us. We can remember staring in awe at the millions of stars that twinkled at us from light years away. In those moments we are reminded of the vast frontier that is the universe and we are inspired by the idea of space travel.

It was that feeling of awe and excitement that ignited the passion for exploration and space travel in my husband’s heart. It is the delight of learning, the joy of discovery, and thrill of exploration that fills the hearts of all astronauts. For these reasons brave men and women risk their lives. For these reasons my husband, William McCool, and the six other astronauts aboard the space shuttle Columbia gave their lives.

On the morning of February 1, 2003, NASA’s Columbia Space Shuttle re-entered the atmosphere after a 16-day scientific mission. Upon re-entry the shuttle ignited, and broke into pieces. All seven astronauts that were abroad the space shuttle Columbia that day were killed when the aircraft disintegrated over Texas. I am painfully aware of the sadness and heartache felt by the American people because of this tragedy. That day changed my life and on that day the people of this nation grieved with me for the loss of seven wonderful lives. I am sure that the tragedy of the Columbia space shuttle left the citizens of this great nation stunned and confused. It left you filled with doubt. Doubt in NASA ability to provide safety during missions, doubt in the capabilities of NASA’s employees and doubt in the benefits of exploration.

It is not my goal to ignore the sadness presented by the events of February 1st, but it is my goal to share with you, today, truth. The truth that will squelch the misconceptions of the American people. I want to encourage your support of NASA by revealing facts about the...