A generation after Americans lost the habit of knowing who their space heroes really are, the Columbia astronauts were remembered Tuesday as awe-struck (肃然起敬的 ) youngsters who longed to“reach the stars ”, and as fun-loving but dedicated adults who never lost their sense of adventure. President Bush and first lady Laura Bush attended a 45-minute memorial ceremony at the Johnson Space Center.
The president and the chief of the astronaut corps helped bring the adventurous lives of the seven Columbia astronauts who died Saturday into focus for NASA employees and the nation. Navy Capt. Kent Rominger, the astronaut corps chief, remembered the crew as a ''generous and caring bunch with a great sense of humor''.
Bush also eulogized each astronaut. He spoke on a breezy, clear day as thousands of space program workers stood around a tree-lined pond. The televised ceremony was also broadcast for workers at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. ''Their mission was almost complete, and we lost them so close to home,'' Bush said. ''Their loss was sudden and terrible. And for their families, the grief is heavy. Our nation shares in your sorrow and your pride. And today we remember not only one moment of tragedy but seven lives of great purpose and achievement.'' Bush declared that the United States would continue its manned space program: ''This cause of exploration and discovery is not an option we choose. It is a desire written in the human heart.''
Bush was accompanied to Houston on Air Force One with former senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, and Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon. The president arrived at the ceremony walking hand-in-hand with the first lady. Afterward, they met privately with about 40 family members. A White House assistant said Bush spoke to each person. He made small talk with the children about school and offered his regrets for meeting at such a tragic time. He told one widow,‘you're a strong soul.'' He said to one father who lost a child,‘we're so proud of you as a father. ''
The roar of NASA T-38 training jets that flew a ''missing man'' formation still echoed in the distance, as space agency workers leaving the ceremony said they had found comfort in the service.
6)
What is the main topic of the passage?
A. Tragedy of seven Columbia astronauts.
B. Address of the president Bush.
C. Description of the memorial ceremony.
D. Spirit of those space heroes.
7)
Where was the ceremony in memory of the seven Columbia astronauts held?
A. At the Kennedy Space Center.
B. At the Johnson Space Center.
C. In Florida.
D. In Washington.
8)
Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
A. The seven Columbia astronauts lost their lives on Saturday.
B. Laura Bush, the first lady, took part in the ceremony with the president.
C. The United States will continue its manned space program.
D. Workers at the Kennedy Space Center attended the memorial ceremony.
9)
What does the word“eulogized ”in Paragraph three most probably mean?
A. praised
B. Discussed
C. Mourned
D. recalled
10)
Which of the following can be concluded from the passage?
A. The chief of the astronaut corps took the seven Columbia astronauts home.
B. John Glenn is the first American to set foot on the moon.
C. Training jets flew in a ''missing man'' formation at the end of the ceremony.
D. Bush only had time to talk with those old family members.
参考答案：
6) C 7) B 8) D 9) A 0) C
