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In Memory of


The Columbia Crew

STS 107

 


Commander Rick Husband

 


Pilot
William McCool


Mission Specialist
Kalpana Chawla


Mission Specialist
Laurel Clark

 

January 16, 2003 - February 1, 2003

 


Payload Commander
Michael Anderson


Mission Specialist
David Brown


Payload Specialist
Ilan Ramon

 

The Final Journey of
The Space Shuttle Columbia


January 15, 2003
Columbia sits on the launch pad, ready for her journey into space tomorrow.


Early in the morning on January 16, 2003
The crew of STS 107 prepares to board the Shuttle Columbia.

At 10:39 am EST on January 16, 2003,
the Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew of seven
clear the launch pad and soar into the heavens.



THE COLUMBIA TEAM

They wanted to fly, to soar into the heavens,
To see Earth from afar,
Those immortal Seven ...
They each happily saw their hopes come true.

While nervous and eager, into that starry night they flew ...
For sixteen days they lived their dream
They were awed and delighted,
The Columbia team.

It was seen on each face, their obvious glee!
Just imagine the wonders that they did see!
I pray that each soul was still basking in glory,
And thinking of how they'd relate the story.

To their husbands and wives, children and friends,
And were never aware of their untimely end.
They flew into the heavens; in the heavens they'll stay ...
We will not soon forget them, nor this black day.

May God comfort their families and help ease their grief ...
They flew into the heavens, and in Heaven they'll sleep.

© Deborah Guerrero
February 1, 2003

To leave behind Earth, air and gravity is an ancient dream of mankind.  For the Crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia, it was a dream fulfilled.  Each of these seven astronauts had the daring and discipline required of their calling.  They each knew and were aware that great endeavors are inseparable from great risks; and each of them accepted those risks willingly, happily, in the cause of discovery.
During their 16 days in space, the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia,
worked on science experiements, exercised, played and held TV interviews.



SIXTEEN MINUTES FROM HOME

Sixteen days gone, every one used to the full,
Eighty jobs done, in two shifts a day,
Sound roared free, because they were coming back,
Just Sixteen Minutes From Home.

Forty miles up, and twenty times the speed of sound,
Seven crew strong, with millions of hearts behind them,
Light burst out, and everyone knew there was a problem,
Just Sixteen Minutes From Home.

Five States cried, with one shuttle raining down,
Fifty States watched, and hundreds of countries listened,
Touched by Columbia, as she came to Earth in pieces,
Just Sixteen Minutes From Home.

© Sean McPherson
February 2003



A MEMO FROM GOD
February 1, 2003

America, this crew you chose, is the finest in the land,
And if you'll pause a moment, I will share with you My plan.
The message I delivered to the crew was very clear,
"This flight goes straight to Heaven, fear not, for I am near."

"My children I am with you, this trip is one I've planned,
Yes, this trip is something special, it's one that God will man.
Heaven's Great Space Center needs some special help up there.
The Master has now summoned and is asking us to share."

They quickly volunteered for this mission in the sky,
Not a one was unprepared, not a one afraid to try.
"You'll go swiftly to the Master, and that trail of smoke they'll see,
Is the 'Changing of the Pilots,' for you're traveling on with Me."

"You must leave this famous shuttle that you're sitting in, behind,
For the one I built that's waiting, is pure gold and silver lined,
As you search the fields of Texas in hopes to find them there,
Rest assured they're here beside Me and I have them in My care."

"You have trained them well, America, I've observed your every test,
I stood silently and waited, until you had the best.
I needed them, America, for Heaven's Great Space Plan
Encompasses the entire globe, the Universe of Man."

"I know them well, America, these loved ones you have lost,
I selected them some time ago, forgetting not the cost.
America, my heart is grieved, by your sorrow, tears and pain, and
Though it's little comfort, your loss is Heaven's gain."

© Fran R. Maiers
February 1, 2003


 

 

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© 2003 - Cathy