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Continued from front page.
All of this has been truly amazing as it continues because the search covered some 1.2 million acres during this 3 month search. There were over 17,000 searchers who found more than 80,000 pounds of debris, making up about 40 percent of the weight of the shuttle. NASA admitted they were surprised to have found that much. At the height of the search more than 900 pieces were found a day, at the end they were still finding about 150 pieces. The main search area was about 240 miles long and 10 miles wide in East Texas alone. Most of the important finds, especially the human remains, were found in and around Hemphill (Sabine County).
The Columbia disaster was a wakeup call to us all. We got a chance to
adjust our attitudes about a lot of things. How important family,
friends, neighbors and the rest of the world get along. It was
wonderful for me to see how many different people, not knowing each
other, came together to "get the job done", and it was done in quiet
love, caring and compassion. We all knew how vital it was to help in
this search. As we turn our faces toward the sun this Spring we all
have a different feeling about how happy we can be and how very little
it takes to makes us happy. Family, friends, neighbors and yes world
peace is what it is all about. Hopefully this thought will last a long
time - I know it will in Hemphill, Texas because although the rest of
the world may forget this tragedy in time, we here will never forget it,
it was too close and we will forever be reminded as we go about our
daily chores. NASA has adopted Hemphill as one of their own and this
makes us very proud. They are a wonderful
organization full of love, caring and concern for each other, and their
country.
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Some of you had asked me about contributions and I am telling you this
so if you would like you can be a part of the proposed Sabine County
Columbia Memorial Museum and Interpretive Trail. Each contributor will
be listed on the Sabine County Columbia Memorial Honor Roll of
Partners. The Sabine County Memorial Museum hopes to be open by
February 1, 2004. If you care to be a part of this make out your check
to First State Bank and Trust of East Texas, account number 1201004901.
Send it to be me :Pat Oden, Rt. 4, Box 708, Hemphill, TX 75948. I will
see they get it. This is a non-profit organization and all
contributions are tax deductible. The V.F.W. Post 10351, Ladies
Auxiliary has already donated $25,000 towards this Museum. The Sabine
Country Columbia Memorial Vision Statement will be as follows: "To
reflect the unity, dignity, and heartfelt compassion Sabine County
quietly offered the world with singular intent: Their Mission Became
Our Mission". This says it all.......
They are asking for any story we might have for this museum concerning
what happened in our lives at this time and I, of
course, am givng them my e-mails and some of the replies you made to
me. I am still working on my book in this regard and will let you know
if/when I get it finished.
By now you all know how long winded I become and I could go on and on
but will quit for now but you can be sure I will be back in
touch.....Love you all thanks for caring...and continue to keep in touch
with me..
Pat Oden
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