and i want to say something to the schoolchildren of
i've always had great faith in and respect for our space program. and what happened today does nothing to diminish it. we don't hide our space program. we don't keep secrets and cover things up. we do it all up front and in public. that's the way freedom is, and we wouldn't change it for a minute.
we'll continue our quest in space. there will be more shuttle flights and more shuttle crews and, yes, more volunteers, more civilians, more teachers in space. nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue.
i want to add that i wish i could talk to every man and woman who works for nasa, or who worked on this mission and tell them: "your dedication and professionalism have moved and impressed us for decades. and we know of your anguish. we share it."
there's a coincidence today. on this day three hundred and ninety years ago, the great explorer sir francis drake died aboard ship off the coast of