What great courage and fortitude the shuttle crew showed. For them and all the shuttle crews before them, whose scientific and military contributions are significant but frequently go unacknowledged, I say a humble but sincere thanks. I always marvel at their bravery and skill during the shuttle launches and landings. For such a tragedy to come at this point in our nation's history is doubly trying- when our collective hopes have been tested so sternly during the past two years. Let's remember their friends and families, and offer what amounts to a pitiful and inadequate, but nonetheless heartfelt thanks for the enormous sacrifice they have made on all of our behalf.

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Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

I came in from my long run yesterday just in time for CNN to show the "Breaking News" clip. Absolutely sickening. I was sitting a high-school senior class gathering watching the Challenger live in '86. Same feeling. Now I immediately think of the loss for those families. Those children who will grow up without fathers/mothers. They have all paid a great sacrifice in the name of this country....

I have the utmost respect for anyone who wears a uniform and puts their live on the line for our country. The Columbia deaths are to be mourned, for they truly paid the ultimate sacrifice.

However, I also want to note there were 4 US servicemen who put their lives on the line, and paid the ultimate price on the same day in Afghanistan. They are equally deserving of our prayers.

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~~Bob