Official Message Of Condolence and Sympathy
For The Space Shuttle Columbia Crew

A message of condolence has been extended to the families of Space Shuttle Columbia (STS107) crew members Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Michael Anderson, Ilan Ramon, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown and Laurel Clark, on behalf of the citizens and provisional government of the Lunar Republic. The message, reprinted below, was drafted by the Honorable Walter Meeks, Consul General to the Midwest Region of the United States for the Lunar Republic Society, and was presented to the Honorable Mr. George W. Bush, President of the United States of America; His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President of India; His Excellency Mr. Daniel Ayalon, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the United States of America; and the Honorable Sean O'Keefe, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (USA).

Expression of condolence from the members of the Lunar Republic Society for the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy

There are no words which can express adequately our sadness at the loss of NASA’s shuttle Columbia; there is no statement to give sufficient consolation and comfort to the families of the brave scientists and astronauts who perished in the accident. The citizens and provisional directors of the Lunar Republic can only express a deep and profound sadness on the events of February 1, 2003.

The Lunar Republic Society is sobered by this tragedy even as we prepare for our first elections to select a governing body to start the pioneering process of moving its citizens to the Moon. We will mourn but we must move on. We who would move into space are as undaunted and unafraid as our pioneer forebears who left from many lands and overcame many obstacles to settle in lands across this planet.

Our species thrives on adversity, always persevering in its effort. We know the future of our species is to be written in space, not on Earth. This tragedy is just that: a tragedy. There is no need to stop our efforts; there is no need to stop NASA’s efforts. We go on. We all must go on, on to a better future in space, a better life for us all. To do less is to dishonor the lives, talents and courage of those on board the Columbia.

A working committee from the Lunar Republic Society has been put in place to submit a proposal to the International Astronomical Union regarding the designation of a group of craters on the Moon that shall be renamed to honor the seven Space Shuttle Columbia crew members who perished in this tragedy. The area which is being considered for designation shall also be renamed "Regio Columbia" to honor the shuttle mission.

» Proposal To Designate Craters In Honor Of The Space Shuttle Columbia Crew Members

[Return to Media:Luna™ Headlines...]

File Identification: 02/01/03, EC-203; 02/01/03, STS107
Product Name: Wireless File
Product Code: WF
Languages: English
Translated Title: 
Author: MEEKS, WALTER (LUNAR REPUBLIC SOCIETY)
Date: 20030203

[Return To Luna Society Front Page]

LUNA SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL
244 FIFTH AVENUE · SUITE 2757
NEW YORK NY 10001-7945 USA