May 1, 2018:
US Congress has designated the month of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
Donald Trump has hailed Indian-origin Kalpana Chawla as an American hero for devoting her life to the space programme and inspiring millions of girls to become astronauts.
These Trump’s remarks came yesterday as he issued a proclamation declaring May as ‘Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month’.
Kalpana was the first woman of Indian-origin in space. She was one of the seven crew members who died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003 when the craft disintegrated during its re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
US President said that Indian American Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian descent to fly in space, and became an American hero for her devotion to the Space Shuttle programme and its various missions transporting cargo and crew to and from the International Space Station.
US Congress posthumously awarded her the Congressional Space Medal of Honour for her achievements and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) posthumously awarded her the NASA Space Flight Medal and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, he said.
Trump said that Ms Chawla’s courage and passion continue to serve as an inspiration for millions of American girls who dream of one day becoming astronauts.
Trump shared that there are more than 20 million Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders who call America home.
He said, America, is a country that values hard work, an honest living, and a commitment to the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
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