Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 100 Part 2.djvu/119

 PUBLIC LAW 99-478—OCT. 16, 1986

100 STAT. 1221

Public Law 99-478 99th Congress Joint Resolution Commemorating January 28, 1987, as a National Day of Excellence in horor of the crew of the space shuttle Challenger.

Whereas on January 28, 1986, the seven crew members of the space shuttle Challenger, Commander Francis R. Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith, Mission Specialist Ellison S. Onizuka, Mission Specialist Ronald E, McNair, Mission Specialist Judith Resnik, Payload Specialist Gregory B. Jarvis, Teacher-Observer S. Christa McAuliffe, were killed in a tragic explosion shortly after liftoff; Whereas each of the crew members of the Challenger was a true American hero who represented the best and the brightest that our Nation has to offer; Whereas the crew of the Challenger gave their lives while striving for an excellence of technology, of goal, and of personal achievement which fills all Americans with a sense of pride in their fellow human beings and countrymen; Whereas the most appropriate tribute we could pay the crew of the Challenger is a national day when Americans would dedicate themselves in all their endeavors to the pursuit of excellence which makes our country great; Whereas the American spirit is most responsive to a living tribute in which all citizens can participate and be enriched by such participation; and Whereas this is a day for which our national character cries out: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That January 28, 1987, is designated as a "National Day of Excellence". The President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe such a day— (1) by resolving that in the course of their regular activities they will pursue the spirit of excellence represented by the crew of the space shuttle Challenger; and (2) with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved October 16, 1986.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 588: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 132 (1986): Sept. 18, considered and passed House. Oct. 3, considered and passed Senate.

Oct. 16, 1986 [H. J. Res. 588]

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