Their Footprints Left in Stardust

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" THEIR FOOTPRINTS LEFT IN STARDUST "

Slipping past earth's tenuous grasp, escaping from its bonds,
held only by our heartstrings' clasp and in forever's dawn;

payload of dreams, cargo of hope, carried forth by seven ~
ignorance and fear revoked to seek the face of heaven...

to gaze in awe upon the place God keeps beyond our own;
venture past the holy gates where angels make their home.

Their footprints left in stardust, now, instead of earthly sands;
mortal bondage disavowed and cradled in God's hands.

Set ablaze as our Lord deems, a star shines forth for each;
still borne aloft on angels' wings... alive beyond earth's reach.

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THE FINAL CREW OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE CHALLENGER
Given over to God's care on February 1, 2003...



Flight Commander Mike Smith
Astronaut Ellison Onizuka
Astronaut Judy Resnik
Astronaut Ron McNair
Astronaut Greg Jarvis
Civilian Flight Technician Christa McAuliffe, who was to have been the first teacher in space.

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THE FINAL CREW OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA
Who joined their Challenger Comrades in God's embrace on February 1, 2003



Flight Commander Rick D. Husband, age 45
Colonel, U.S. Air Force
Shuttle Pilot William C. McCool, age 41
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force
Payload Commander Michael Anderson age 43
Lt. Colonel, U.S. Air Force
Mission Specialist I David M. Brown, M.D., age 46
Captain, U.S. Navy
Mission Specialist II Kalpana Chawla, age 41
NASA Aerospace Engineer
Mission Specialist IV Laurel Clark, M.D., age 41
Commander, U.S. Navy
Payload Specialist Ilian Ramon, age 48
Colonel, Israeli Air Force

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