Glenn Thompson: “33 years ago today, we lost the Space Shuttle Challenger. I rise to remember and honor the seven crew members whose…”

“33 years ago today, we lost the Space Shuttle Challenger. I rise to remember and honor the seven crew members whose passion for exploration has inspired generations of Americans. On January 28, 1986, the 25th mission of the United States space shuttle program was set to transport cargo and crew into orbit. Tragically, the mission was cut short over the skies of Cape Canaveral. More than three decades later, we remember the sacrifice of each crew member: Dick Scobee, Michael Smith, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Gregory Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe. Their legacy is forever enshrined in our Nation's Capital with the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. As President Reagan said in his address to the Nation: ``The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we'll continue to follow them.'' Mr. Speaker, may our American curiosity for space exploration never fade, and as we continue to seek farther horizons, it is my hope that we fuel the interest of future generations. Today, we honor and remember the brave crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger. ____________________”