Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., recently announced that the New York State Senate unanimously passed a resolution honoring the heroic lives of the astronauts aboard the space shuttle Columbia. Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson, Mission Specialist David Brown, Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Mission Specialist Laurel Clark, Shuttle Commander Rick Husband, Shuttle Pilot William McCool and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon made the ultimate sacrifice aboard Columbia on Saturday, Feb. 1.

"These courageous men and women were pioneers for the benefit of all humankind," said Fuschillo. "The memory of each of the astronauts who were lost will forever remain with their families - and their bravery will live on in the heart of every New Yorker and every American citizen."

The space shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere above Texas early Saturday morning following a 16-day scientific research mission. Columbia was NASA's oldest shuttle and this mission marked its 28th flight.

"There is a certain beauty and mystery of space exploration," said Fuschillo. "The men and women we've lost are part of our family who brought inspiration and knowledge to our world of curiosity and our prayers are with their families."

NASA has appointed an independent commission to investigate the cause of the disaster.

Senator Fuschillo announced recently that the New York State Senate passed legislation he co-sponsored to establish New York State's first Veterans Hall of Fame.

"Throughout the nation's history, New Yorkers have been there on the front lines," Fuschillo said. "One way to honor these men and women is to establish the hall of fame to recognize not only their service during wartime, but their contributions to the development and security of the freedom we enjoy as US citizens."

According to Fuschillo, an 18-member administrative council would also be created by the bill, the members of which would be appointed by the governor and legislative leaders. The hall of fame would be located in the Empire State Plaza, in Albany, NY. Congressional Medal of Honor recipients shall be eligible for automatic induction.

A nominee would need to be an honorably discharged veteran who has either made significant contributions through his/her respective profession, or voluntarily to veterans organizations. The council would solicit recommendations from the superintendents of the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Commandant of the Coast Guard. There must be at least one inductee from World War II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War each year that inductions take place. All other specific criteria would be established by the council.