March 02, 2004

By: Zi Perry
Website: http://www.1st-in-flags.com

Serrano announces return of Puerto Rican flag to earth

Congressman Jos E. Serrano (D-NY) today announced that the Puerto Rican flag he sent to space is in its final full day in orbit before Discovery's scheduled touchdown onto Earth tomorrow. After nine days in space, a Puerto Rican flag will arrive aboard space shuttle Discovery, STS-95, scheduled for landing at 12:04 p.m. EST at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. Sen. John Glenn (D-OH), who has visited space twice, is also on board Discovery.

"It makes me very proud to know that a Puerto Rican flag has been in space, Serrano said. This is a historic moment for all Puerto Ricans and I thank the NASA for making this possible.$B!&(BSerrano asked Captain Kevin Kregel, during his February visit to a school in Serranos district, the South Bronx, to take a Puerto Rican flag on the next shuttle mission.

After receiving the flag from NASA, Serrano will make it available to be displayed in schools, churches and other public institutions. The flag measures 3 by 5 feet.This is for everyone to enjoy. This flag just represented Puerto Rico in space and the whole world was watching this space mission, said Serrano, who was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and raised in the Bronx.The primary objective of the Discovery flight is to conduct a variety of science experiments. The space shuttle is commanded by Curt Brown, with Steve Lindsey in the pilot's seat.

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About The Author:

Zi Perry is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-flags.com.  The flags of the world are symbols of recognition full of beauty and color for each country.