A resolution remembering and honoring the heroic lives of astronauts Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael Anderson and Navy Commander William "Willie" McCool.

        [Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 73 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

108th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 73

Remembering and honoring the heroic lives of astronauts Air Force
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Anderson and Navy Commander William
``Willie'' McCool.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 4, 2003

Ms. Cantwell (for herself, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Reid, and Mr. Brownback)
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

Remembering and honoring the heroic lives of astronauts Air Force
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Anderson and Navy Commander William
``Willie'' McCool.

Whereas mankind lost 7 heroes with the tragic explosion of the Space Shuttle
Columbia on February 1, 2003;
Whereas the families and friends of the 7 astronauts, the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, the entire Nation, and people around the world
who followed the historic mission will deeply miss the 7 crew members of
the Space Shuttle Columbia;
Whereas the astronauts made an important contribution as models of bravery,
courage, and excellence for men, women, and children around the world;
Whereas 2 of these heroes, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael Anderson and
Navy Commander William ``Willie'' McCool, are particularly close to the
hearts of residents of the State of Washington;
Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Anderson was a beloved son of the Spokane community
since moving there at the age of 11, and a cherished hero for men,
women, and children in Washington;
Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Anderson was a hero, long before accepting the
challenge of the Columbia mission, for leading a life characterized by
courage, achievement against many odds, and sacrifice for this country;
Whereas the story of Lieutenant Colonel Anderson is even more remarkable in
light of the barriers to success that young African-Americans in this
country have had to overcome;
Whereas this remarkable story has long been shared at the childhood church of
Lieutenant Colonel Anderson and throughout the Spokane African-American
community, and has inspired a generation of children;
Whereas throughout his early education in Spokane area public schools,
Lieutenant Colonel Anderson focused on voyaging to space as an astronaut
and became an exceptional science student;
Whereas since becoming an astronaut in 1994, Lieutenant Colonel Anderson took to
heart the special responsibility of serving as a role model for children
around the country and back home;
Whereas after his 1998 flight on the Space Shuttle Endeavor to the Mir Space
Station, Lieutenant Colonel Anderson returned to Cheney High School in
Spokane and told a crowd of enthralled students that dreams such as his
of becoming an astronaut can be achieved with hard work and clear goals;
Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Anderson embodied excellence and provided a
triumphant example of accomplishment for Americans of all colors, races,
and backgrounds;
Whereas the Washington family lost another dear friend in Commander McCool, who
made Anacortes, Washington his home during 2 periods of service at Naval
Air Station Whidbey Island;
Whereas community members remember Commander McCool for his kindness,
professionalism, and love of his children;
Whereas Commander McCool continued to pay visits to the Anacortes community and
was a cherished member of the community; and
Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Anderson and Navy Commander McCool will be missed but
never forgotten: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate remembers and honors the heroic lives of
astronauts Lieutenant Colonel Michael Anderson and Commander William
McCool.
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