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A STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILIES OF COLUMBIA
 Approved by:
 Robert Cabana/CA/Director, Flight Crew Operations
 Feb. 3, 2003

On January 16th, we saw our loved ones launch into a brilliant, 
cloud-free sky. Their hearts were full of enthusiasm, pride in 
country, faith in their God, and a willingness to accept risk in the 
pursuit of knowledge --- knowledge that might improve the quality of 
life for all mankind. Columbia's 16-day mission of scientific 
discovery was a great success, cut short by mere minutes ---- yet it 
will live on forever in our memories. We want to thank the NASA family 
and people from around the world for their incredible outpouring of 
love and support. Although we grieve deeply, as do the families of 
Apollo 1 and Challenger before us, the bold exploration of space must 
go on. Once the root cause of this tragedy is found and corrected, the 
legacy of Columbia must carry on --- for the benefit of our children 
and yours.

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