Challenger Astronauts Memorial - Fresno, California - Space Flight Memorials and Exhibits on Waymarking.com

Now, once again, the diverse people of this country share
    knowledge, faith, and feeling, the unity of national grief.
A Glad, courageous crew of astronauts, examples of our finest citizenry,
    sacrificed their inspirational lives.
How happily they bade farewell to Earth! So eager to contribute
    each could do to widen our frontiers in outer space.
How fearlessly they took that fatal risk which always separates
    selfish goal from that for which the hero strives.
They were husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, friends,
    to all the households of his fortunate place.
Surely what they symbolize in Mankind's never ending quest to know
    laid them on the alter of God's grace.

They might have known those festive feelings of fulfillment
    can only come to those who reach achievement's heights.
They might have spent declining years with rich respect from peers
    loving hours with families and friends:
But never shall they tread again on ordinary paths of life, nor know
    many pains and sorrows of the common lot.
They shall not feel anxiety nor worry and frustrations
    advancing years unto the aging hero sends.
But all they were and all they are, for what they tried
    failed, gives us a trust to which we must be true.
Beyond the pales of death they clearly say:
   "Hold fast the course! Redeem our sacrifice with faith,
    work, and courage, and make successful what we tried to do."

Search not for their depleted dust nor seek to make a tomb
    any of their mortal parts.
Their varied lives from henceforth rest in History' sacred shrine.
    meanings live forever in a grateful nation's hearts.

                Charles B. Garrigus - Poet Laureate of California

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