Some emails within NASA today:
Nothing is as fundamental to human nature as our insatiable thirst to explore, but for millennia, the stars were a frontier beyond our reach. As human ingenuity and perseverance have taken us on our first steps into that deep unknown, our journey has not been without challenges, and not without cost.
On NASA’s Day of Remembrance, we reflect on the members of the NASA family who lost their lives pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. Their dedication represents not just the best of NASA, but the best of humanity.
As we honor their sacrifices, we also look to the future, to the discoveries and achievements our departed colleagues have made possible. We recommit ourselves to safe and peaceful exploration of our world and our universe.
NASA’s 2015 Day of Remembrance is today, Jan. 28. NASA flags across the agency will fly at half-staff. I hope you will join me in paying tribute to the memory of those who laid down their lives for the benefit all of humankind.
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Day of Remembrance - Jan. 28, 2015
Today we remember and give thanks for the lives and contributions of those who gave all trying to push the boundaries of human achievement. On this solemn occasion, we pause in our normal routines and remember the STS-107 Columbia crew; the STS-51L Challenger crew; the Apollo 1 crew; Mike Adams, the first in-flight fatality of the space program as he piloted the X-15 No. 3 on a research flight; and those lost in test flights and aeronautics research throughout our history.
These men and women were our friends, family and colleagues. They still are. As we undertake a journey to Mars, they will be with us. They have our eternal respect, love and gratitude.
Today, their legacy lives on as the International Space Station fulfills its promise as a symbol of hope for the world and a springboard to missions farther into the solar system. Our lost friends are with us in the strivings of all of our missions to take humans to new destinations and to unlock the secrets of our universe. We honor them by making our dreams of a better tomorrow reality and taking advantage of the fruits of exploration to improve life for people everywhere.
Let us join together as one NASA Family, along with the entire world, in paying our respects, and honoring the memories of our dear friends. They will never be forgotten. Godspeed to every one of them.