Ronald Reagan
Washington, DC, May 18, 1981
Ronald Reagan Annotated Speech as Pres Honoring Space Shuttle "Columbia" Astronauts
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A fine content typed document by Reagan as President (unsigned), with numerous holograph annotations in blue pen throughout, 3 pages, 8.5" x 11", [Washington, May 18, 1981], a draft titled: "TALKING POINTS: EAST ROOM LUNCHEON WITH SHUTTLE ASTRONAUTS MAY 19, 1981." Stapled at top left and in fine condition.

Reagan opens with a holograph corrected salutation "…Commander Young & Captain Crippen," continuing with the typescript speech: "All the world held its breath in the silent moments of your re-entry. When we finally heard your voices again, all the world knew America had begun a new age…These men have travelled across the country since the shuttle flight…Once again we felt the surge of pride that comes from knowing we are the best and we are so because we are free…The flight of the Columbia was a victory for the American spirit…To paraphrase John Greenleaf Whittier, we are a people who have thrown the windows of our soul wide open to the sun…". Reagan adds holograph edits throughout the draft and, at the conclusion, crosses out the planned closing, writing himself: "…I would like now to introduce a man whose leadership and high standards made the success of the Columbia possible. Ladies and Gentlemen, the acting director of NASA, Dr. Alan W. Lovelace…".

The Space Shuttle Columbia made its first space flight (STS-1) from April 12-14, 1981. It carried a crew of two -- mission commander John W. Young (1930-2018) and pilot Robert L. Crippen (b. 1937). Between 1981 and 2011, the Space Shuttle program flew 135 missions.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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8.5" x 11"