世界上最偉大的演說辭

第57章 懷念挑戰者號宇航員 (1)

字體:16+-

In Memory of the Challenger Astronauts

羅納德·裏根 / Ronald Reagan

羅納德·裏根(1911—2004),美國第四十九、五十任總統(1981—1989)。裏根於1911年2月6日生於美國伊利諾伊州坦皮科城,1932年畢業於尤雷卡學院並獲經濟學和社會學學士學位。第二次世界大戰期間應征入伍,退伍後重返好萊塢。

1980年11月4日裏根當選為美國第四十九任總統,1984年11月競選連任成功,當選為美國第五十任總統,1989年1月辭職。

Ace in the Hole

Understand these new words before you read this article.

1. mourn v. 哀痛

2. desire v. 希望,渴望;要求,請求

3. astronaut n. 宇航員,太空人

4. eager adj. 熱切的,渴望的

5. commemorate v. 紀念,慶祝

We come together today to mourn the loss of seven brave Americans, to share the grief that we all feel, and perhaps in that sharing, to find the strength to bear our sorrow and the courage to look for the seeds of hope.

Our nation’s loss is first a profound personal loss to the family and the friends and the loved ones of our shuttle astronauts. To those they left behind—the mothers, the fathers, the husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, yes, and especially the children — all of America stands beside you in your time of sorrow.

What we say today is only an inadequate expression of what we carry in our hearts. Words pale in the shadow of grief; they seem insufficient even to measure the brave sacrifice of those you loved and we so admired. Their truest testimony will not be in the words we speak, but in the way they led their lives and in the way they lost their lives—with dedication, honor, and an unquenchable desire to explore this mysterious and beautiful universe.

The best we can do is remember our seven astronauts, our Challenger Seven, remember them as they lived, bringing life and love and joy to those who knew them and pride to a nation.