A touching tribute…

In Memoriam of the crew of STS-107

High Flight Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,

I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew – And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God. John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

When I must leave you for a little while

Please do not grieve and shed wild tears And hug your sorrow to you through the years But start out bravely with a gallant smile;

Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer

And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near; And never, never be afraid to die, For I am waiting for you in the sky!