Hilda L. Solis: “on Saturday, our country suffered a staggering loss that reminds us how precious and fragile life truly is. As we…”

“on Saturday, our country suffered a staggering loss that reminds us how precious and fragile life truly is. As we watched the debris from the Columbia space shuttle fall to the ground, our hearts sank but our resolve only strengthened. Seven astronauts; 15 educational degrees; more than 800 space hours traveled; working 24 hours a day for 16 days to perform over 80 separate experiments. Although these numbers are impressive and show their intelligence and qualifications, they do not reflect the fullness of the lives of the crew of the Columbia. They do not show the courage that they so obviously possessed. These numbers do not show the love that they had for their families. They don't show their faith or passion for life. And the numbers don't show their dedication to a program that has consistently proved invaluable to our nation's commitment to exploration and has proved necessary for our advancement as a culture, a society and a people. As we reflect today, I am especially moved by the story of Dr. Kalpana Chawla.”