LIVE THREAD: Columbia Memorial

Fox News ^ | February 4, 2003

[Howlin]

The memorial service for the astronauts of STS 107.

[anniegetyourgun]

Good stuff, as usual, John.

I went to be with my mother at her assisted living facility to watch the memorial. Many of the elderly and feeble gathered around the activity room television with us. Like my mother, many of them don't have much 'mind' left, but their faces reflected the sadness anyone would feel for the widows and children. And during the president's speech - you could hear a pin drop. Throughout the many musical interludes, you could hear the old women humming the hymns. Think about the rate of change this world has seen in their 80-90 years.

First the SOTU, then last Saturday appearance on television, and now this service for the families in TX. Aside from the strength of the LORD, I'm not sure how this president has made it through the last few weeks. And I've a feeling there is no let up in the near term. May God give W. what he needs for the next day, each day.....

[Miss Marple]

So, is this because there were women on the flight? Or is it because you think no one with children should be astronauts?

How in the heck are you going to find people that have enough experience (making them in their late 30's to early 40's) that do not have children?

Sorry, but you are being way too susceptible to the touchy-feely aspect. Children have lost parents through our entire history. I am sorry for the children, but they lost their parents in a noble cause. If you keep parents out of the program, you won't have many people to choose from.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

This is, or was, a memorial thread. Can we keep it that way?

Columbia lifting off, Jan 16, 2003.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Angels streaking thru the sky.

[Miss Marple]

You are right. I will refrain from answering hobbes1 on this thread. Thank you for the reminder.

[Mr. Silverback]

Thanks for the info!

[Howlin]

That was so kind of you to be with them; and it gives you another set of "eyes" to see it from, doesn't it?

I bet they loved all thos hymns! They chose some great ones, IMO.

[RightWingMama]

Thanks so much for your comments. (and for the ping, Howlin) I have tears in my eyes just reading about the memorial service. I'm at work and was unable to listen, but your heartfelt posts have let me know how beautiful it was.

[Howlin]

It will be rerun again tonight on C-SPAN at 8. It's well worth it, as I am sure you can tell from the thread. Glad you were "with us" anyway.

[Howlin]

Great pictures, as usual!

[dittomom]

I was so moved when I watched the memorial service that I really couldn't post anything. Haven't read through all the posts here, so I don't know if anyone else commented on this, but I just wanted to share the moment when the tears began to fall. The camera view of the President as he sat in the audience showed a star-like light reflecting off the space shuttle pin on his lapel. So beautiful...

[MasonGal]

Re: Post #419

Thank you so much!!!

[YaYa123]

"Bush got rave reviews from Brian Williams AND David Gergen."

Why am I not surprised? Williams is trying to appeal to, [peel away], the FOX audience, and Gergen's hawking a new book.

But you know what? I think the key to President Bush's very well deserved kudos on his speeches is that everyone unconsciously compares President Bush's sincerity, his goodness, his basic honesty, to his precedessor, slime dog showboating con man, Bill Clinton.

[cyncooper]

Just wanted to share that on Brit's show they just did a report on today's service and James Rosen doing the report said that for the families the most moving and meaningful moment for them was their private audience with the president.

[terilyn]

Thank you Howlin. Wasn't this a wonderful address by the President? I thought he did a beautiful job.

[wimpycat]

Brit's panel of "All-Stars" were just discussing the Memorial Service, and Charles Krauthammer said that Bush used the word "I" just once in this speech. He said he went back to Clinton's memorial speech for the OKC bombing victims and he used the word "I" ten times, and additionally, the term "Hillary & I" five times.

They were also talking about how the Dems are so used to Clinton doing everything for political reasons that they take a cynical view of Bush's sincerity in this type of setting.

[terilyn]

Oh my, I hadn't heard that. What an great observation.

It sure does seem like somebody was watching out for all of us doesn't it. When you think of what this country has gone through in the past two years, starting with Florida 2000.

Thank heavens it turned out the way it did. People trust this President. Even in the polls where his favorable ratings are down to 59 - 60%, when asked if people trust him his numbers are much higher.

If it were me, I don't think I could ask for higher praise.

[AppyPappy]

Still I imagine it's a lonely job sometimes.

[AppyPappy]

Still I imagine it's a lonely job sometimes.

[Mrs.Liberty]

Yes...and this was the sentence in which he used "I" (when referring to himself as opposed to the parts of the speech where he was quoting the astronauts.

They will always have an honored place in the memory of this country. And today I offer the respect and gratitude of the people of the United States.