Multi-Religious Memorial Services for Columbia Crew

February 3, 2003

Source: Palm Beach Post

http://www.gopbi.com/partners/pbpost/epaper/editions/today/news_e3d3af3f

On February 3, 2003 the Palm Beach Post reported that "as the pictures of the space shuttle, its crew and Indian-American astronaut Kalpana Chawla flashed on a screen at a [Palm Beach, FL] Hindu temple, 27-year-old Priti Patel had such mixed feelings... Although many Indians knew before the accident that Chawla was the first astronaut born in India, Patel did not. A new hero. Lost already... With both Hindu songs and American tears, local Indians Sunday mourned the loss of their newest hero -- a special hero they can share with both their native and adopted countries."