S*1086 Concurrent Resolution, By Glover, Alexander, S. Boan, Bryan, Cork, 
Courson, Courtney, Drummond, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Giese, Gregory, Hayes, 
Holland, Jackson, Land, Lander, Leatherman, Leventis, Martin, Matthews, 
McConnell, McGill, Mescher, Moore, O'Dell, Passailaigue, Patterson, Peeler, 
Rankin, Reese, L.E. Richter, M.T. Rose, Russell, Ryberg, Saleeby, Setzler, 
Short, G. Smith, J.V. Smith, Thomas, Waldrep, Washington and Wilson
 A Concurrent Resolution in remembrance of Ronald E. McNair and the six other
 members of the Challenger Space Shuttle Crew, on the occasion of the tenth
 anniversary of the tragic explosion of the Challenger Space Shuttle.

   01/31/96  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-4
   02/01/96  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-6

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

IN REMEMBRANCE OF RONALD E. MCNAIR AND THE SIX OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CHALLENGER SPACE SHUTTLE CREW, ON THE OCCASION OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAGIC EXPLOSION OF THE CHALLENGER SPACE SHUTTLE.

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly, as all Americans, were shocked and stunned by the tragic explosion of the Challenger space shuttle on January 28, 1986, which claimed the lives of the seven crew members, including Mission Specialist Ronald E. McNair, a native of Lake City; and

Whereas, Sunday, January 28, 1996 marked the tenth anniversary of this tragic occurrence, which took the life of one our state's most distinguished citizens; and

Whereas, each of Mr. McNair and the six other brave space explorers knew that danger was a part of their mission but with steadfast courage they accepted these risks and with vigorous determination pressed on to probe the new frontiers of space; and

Whereas, Mr. McNair's legacy and ideals continue to inspire and educate many young Americans through scholarship programs aimed at getting young people into the science and engineering fields; and

Whereas, Mr. McNair's altruistic spirit continues to serve many youngsters through the Challenger Clubs, Challenger Space Science and Education Program, and various other space and science clubs providing opportunities and exposure to positive learning experiences which might not otherwise be available; and

Whereas, the Challenger disaster resulted in the loss of life for seven brave Americans, the subsequent safety measures developed in response to this tragedy will further insure the safety of future shuttle flights; and

Whereas, it would be a fitting tribute to the memory of Ronald E. McNair if the citizens of South Carolina, or more importantly, the citizens of the planet Earth, could embrace the words inscribed on his memorial in Lake City which state that "My wish is that we would allow this planet to be the beautiful oasis she is, and allow ourselves to live more in the peace that she generates;" and

Whereas, it is fitting that all South Carolinians remember Mr. McNair. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, wish to honor the memory of the heroic Challenger space shuttle crew on the tenth anniversary of their ill-fated mission, and to express the sorrow and grief to the families of these heroic space pioneers, especially to the family of South Carolina's native son, Ronald E. McNair.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. McNair's family.