George W. Bush: “We choose to explore space because doing so improves our lives and lifts our national spirit.”

We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling.

History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation – a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position.

Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public square. Members of other political parties are not our enemies; they are our fellow citizens.

We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will.