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

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

They might have known those festive feelings of fulfillment
   which can only come to those who reach achievement's heights.
They might have spent declining years with rich respect from peers
   and loving hours with families and friends:
But never shall they tread again on ordinary paths of life, nor know
   the many pains and sorrows of the common lot.
They shall not feel anxiety nor worry and frustrations
   that advancing years unto the aging hero sends.
But all they were and all they are, for what they tried
   and 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,
   hard work, and courage, and make successful what we tried to do."

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

               By Charles B. Garrigus - Poet Laureate of California

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