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I don't feel very funny today. For the first time in a long time, I actually had one of these little weekly observations written well in advance. It was hilarious,
but I'll just file it away for now. I just don't feel very funny today.
Scott Simon of NPR brought me, and many of you, the news on Saturday morning. And when he reported that communication had been lost with the Shuttle a mere 16
minutes before touchdown in Florida, I knew something was terribly wrong. Shortly thereafter, the images and words confirmed our worst fears - another space tragedy. In
addition to keeping up with the events, I've spent the time since Saturday ... well ... just wondering...
Just what exactly is it about the US Space Program - especially after a major incident - that unites us as a nation? I don't mean water cooler talk, or,
"...oh, by the way" banter - I mean a true and absolute unification of all of us. Just what is it?
In 1957, the Russians launch little Sputnik. We united to do something about it. Kennedy issues a challenge. We united. Fire on the launch pad. We cried together.
We land on the moon...we hugged, and remembered where we were. We lose our first Shuttle crew, and we debated ... in a united way ... and cried. And Saturday, we cried
again. And we united again ... with a stronger resolve than ever to fix that which mysteriously seems to give us so much pride. We individually, each one of us ... own it.
It's a part of us. Just what is it that makes it so?
In my lifetime, with the possible exception of "9-11", I can't remember anything that has provided as unifying an impetus for us as a nation, as the space program,
and the men and women who serve it. Maybe it's the mystery. Maybe it really is the "Right Stuff", or the "Last Frontier". Whatever it is, and whatever spell it holds over
us, I say, "A-OK" - thank God we've got something to bring us ALL together ... especially today.
The space program is our great uncle and kid-sister all rolled into one. It's our pride. It's our family. It's precious, and it is to be protected. It's who we are. As a
NASA Program Administrator said Saturday, "Human space flight is a passion ... an emotional event. And when we lose seven family members, it's devastating." But, it's
unifying, indeed. Just what is it ... that makes it so?
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Rick D. Husband
Kalpana Chawla
William C. McCool
David M. Brown
Laurel B. Clark
Michael P. Anderson
Ilan Ramon
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