Angie Craig: “I and all of my colleagues, and I think, all Americans, have been in a period of mourning as a result of the situation…”

“I and all of my colleagues, and I think, all Americans, have been in a period of mourning as a result of the situation that occurred about 9:15 or 9:16 this past Saturday, as many of us watched in horror, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrate over the continental United States. All of us in the Senate have had the privilege over the years of meeting many of our astronauts, and certainly even serving with some of them right here in the Senate. We have known of the phenomenal dedication and commitment of these men and women who do this very important work. It is a life of pursuing a challenge, and the reward was the service itself. It was not financial, it was not a large trophy. It was the challenge of the service and what they could provide for our country and for all mankind. I think yesterday, as many witnessed the memorial service at the Johnson Space Center in Houston-- I was unable to attend--we were reminded once again of the phenomenal caliber and capability of these seven people.”