María Elvira Salazar: “I today observe two momentous occasions: the Space Shuttle's Return to Flight and the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Air…”

“I today observe two momentous occasions: the Space Shuttle's Return to Flight and the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Yesterday, at 10:39 a.m. eastern daylight time, the Space Shuttle Discovery safely lifted off from its launch pad at Cape Canaveral, FL. It blasted into orbit carrying seven of our Nation's finest, on a mission to resupply the International Space Station, test the Shuttle, and resume America's manned exploration of the cosmos. I want to thank NASA's Administrator, Michael Griffin, and the thousands of men and women who have worked tirelessly in the wake of the Columbia tragedy to upgrade the safety of our space mission. Their commitment and courage have helped turn our Nation's dreams to the heavens and stars once again. Also this month, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the entrance of the first class of cadets to the Air Force Academy. It is fitting that NASA's return to flight occurs at a moment when we are reflecting on the Air Force Academy's first half century of service, because the Academy and NASA are two institutions that attract the best men and women in our country. Due to their shared focus on flight, the two institutions are forever linked. In fact, two of the astronauts guiding the Discovery in orbit overhead right now come from the Air Force Academy.…”