Space shuttle Columbia disaster

Space shuttle Columbia broke apart in flames as it streaked over Texas toward its landing strip this morning, killing all seven astronauts, six Americans and an Israeli. Please use this area to share your feelings and condolences.
Read the story: Space shuttle Columbia break into flames over Texas, killing all seven astronauts aboard
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Shame on all of you who had the disgusting nerve to take this opportunity to state your political beliefs. Have you no decency? You damn your cause for being so stupid and unethical. It embarrasses me to think you live in this state, let alone this world. God bless the crew of Columbia – you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Kevin, Boston

To boldly go where no one has gone before. Rest in peace amoung the stars our 7 brave astronauts. You will never be forgotten.

Tom, Norwood

Although I detest Bush, now is not the time to be political. Instead, I feel tremendous sadness for the loss of the astronauts and for their grieving families. These were among our best and brightest. We not only lose them, we lose their knowledge and their spirit of "danger, be damned" in their pursuit of that knowledge. There will be seven new stars in the sky tonight....

Joanne, Hubbardston

Seven people died today...mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, friends, coworkers, professionals...that is a terrible loss for everyone involved. And to think that some of you take this time to voice hate is disgusting...I truly hope that none of their family members or friends read this. I am ashamed of you, for you and for your views. God bless them they are heroes...their families, friends and all that knew them. And for those who abused their memory shame on you. God Bless America. Kelley

Kelley, Lynn

What is more amazing than this tradgedy is how far we have come as human beings in the past 100 years and how many times this program is successfull. These deaths were not in vain. These women and men are pioneers of humanity and they died doing what they loved and moving us toward space.

Tekwizad, Watertown

I was immensely saddened this morning to hear of the shuttle tragedy, but it was the words of the President this afternoon that brought me to tears. His quote from Isaiah and his prayer that the astronauts are safely home with the Creator touched me deeply. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these brave astronauts this afternoon, and the courage and dedication of these pioneers will not be soon forgotten.

PB , Medfield

I grieve along with all Americans and Israelis in this loss, and my thoughts and prayers go to the families of those brave astronauts. I have a sense of guilt that I've taken all these space missions for granted after all the years without serious incident. However, there is something else here to consider for the free world. This event is but one of many body blows that we must all endure in the coming years of almost-certain war and (certain) terrorist attacks. We've got to persevere and not let these setbacks deter us from our goals. In these dark times, I think about our British friends and how easily they could have given into despair during the Battle of Britain. They didn't, and we will not either.

Charles, Osterville, MA

With all of the terrible news in the World these days, it becomes doubly sad when truly unselfish heros that we and our children can look up to, die in such a horrible tragedy. May all of our heart-felt prayers go out to the families of these brave pioneers.

Clark, Dunstable

Words cannot begin to describe the sadness for this tragedy. I remember where I was back in '86 when the challenger exploded and feeling terrible then, especially knowing that one of my high school teachers at the time entered the competition to become the first teacher in space and was one of eight finalists, but was not chosen. I felt a sense of sadness when she wasn't selected, but also one of a relief, because it could've been her that was killed that day not to say I didn't feel a sense of grief for the families of those killed that day, but I was relieved it wasn't her. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the families of those lost this morning you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Emily, Brighton

The seven brave, bright stars we have lost will always be remembered. I hope their families know how sorry we are for their loss. It is such a terrible thing to happen. My condolences.

Jennifer, Boston