Like others before and no doubt like others in the future our species is graced with a special breed of explorers.
Exceptional in every way, striving always to fulfil difficult mission tasks without fault or waver for the good of mankind now and into the future.
Without them our time here on the third rock is surely finite.
They pave the way forward with brave indifference to the many risks, facilitating those small steps along the way that provide the elusive keys that unlock discoveries that will eventually equip mankind with the knowledge and then perhaps the ability to survive elsewhere.
For theirs is the noblest cause and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
To those left behind
Take comfort in the knowledge they flew the line without fault nor fear and lost their lives in the most bold venture of human endeavor, doing what most of us are simply in awe of. “The Best of the Best!”
God Speed STS-107
