News Release - Etheridge Honors Service of Space Shuttle Columbia Crew

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

February 6, 2003

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Honors Service of
Space Shuttle Columbia Crew

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) honored the service of the seven astronauts aboard space shuttle Columbia at a memorial service in Washington, D.C. Thursday. Etheridge joined Vice President Dick Cheney, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe and many of his colleagues in Congress at the National Cathedral to remember the lives of the Columbia crew.

"In the wake of this terrible tragedy, it is right and fitting that we as a nation pause to remember the contributions of these seven American heroes," Etheridge said. "Through their efforts the boundaries of science have been extended and man's quest for knowledge advances. Our nation mourns for the lives that have been lost too soon. In honor of those who have been lost, we must redouble our commitment to the space program and establish anew America's historic role as pioneers in the exploration of God's creation."

Etheridge, a member of the House Science Committee and the Space Subcommittee, will be involved in joint hearings with the Senate next week to investigate the Columbia tragedy. Etheridge also recently wrote a letter to the President calling for a truly independent commission to investigate the causes of the Columbia disaster.