Continue triumphs in crew's memory
by Diana De Leon, Feature Editor

  I watched with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach as the space shuttle disintegrated in the sky over Texas.

  Many thoughts entered my mind as I watched the TV screen, unable to look away and distressed at what I saw.

  I felt shock and sadness for the men and women on board and for the space program as well.

  Questions raced through my mind, what happened? How could this be? And why did this happen?

  Because of the new world we live in, the thought of a terrorist attack was there, but I know there is no surface-to-air missile that has that kind of range and speed.

  It shatters the heart and the mind to witness brave men and women losing in their quest for the stars.

  I remember the same sick feeling in 1986 when another group of brave souls lost their quest for the stars when the Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff.

  It is hard to see America go through another national tragedy when the twin towers are still fresh in everyoneÕs mind and when the possibility of war appears to be growing closer.

  I remember the way things used to be, when the whole world watched with our nation whenever we went into space.

  The world watched the triumphs of a small rocket orbiting the earth and of manÕs taking his first steps in space.

  The world watched every move and heard every sound with rapt attention given the event by every newspaper, TV and radio station covering it.

  These were the days before CNN and other all-news stations when the local stations were all people had.

  It was an event that every American could be proud of and brag about.

  Somewhere along the way, space exploration lost its glamour. Perhaps, it was the Star Wars films or the Star-Trek television and movie series. Somehow America apparently lost interest.

  Now it seems that space travel is only covered by the news when there is a tragedy to watch.

  Although the nation mourns the loss, there is triumph in the very fact that these brave souls were in space to begin with.

  The first moon landing, the first moon walk and the first reusable spacecraft are all triumphs of the American sprit of adventure and courage.

  There will be more triumphs to celebrate in years to come. I believe the seven brave souls who perished Saturday morning would want it that way.