Costello Welcomes Aldrin And Jemison To The European Parliament

Dublin MEP Emer Costello has welcomed the second man on the moon, Buzz Aldrin, and the first black woman in space, Mae Jemison, to the European Parliament in Brussels.

Costello, who is hosting an exhibition of Dublin as an Innovative Smart City at the European Parliament, this morning introduced the two astronauts to fellow MEPs.

She said: "I am delighted to welcome to the European Parliament two truly great legends, Mae Jemison and Buzz Aldrin. As we celebrate Science, Innovation and Creativity it is appropriate that we have real heroes, who by their own scientific endeavour have motivated and inspired generations.

"The aim of this week's event is to harvest the potential of a new generation of European pioneers.

"Aldrin was one of the original pioneers, a founding member of the greatest age of discovery that our civilisation has ever known. It is fitting that he attend the European Parliament as we seek to build momentum behind that age and create the conditions for similar discoveries in the 21st century.

"Buzz Aldrin has become not just a hero of exploration and innovation but also of the imagination. By lending his name to a celebrated Disney character, he has become an inspiration for a whole new generation of children who dream of one day becoming Buzz Lightyear.

"It is also fitting in the week that we celebrate International Women’s Day that we welcome Mae Jemison, a true female icon, to the European Parliament.

"As the First Black Woman to travel into Space and the first Black female Commander of the Space Shuttle, Ms Jemison is not just an African-American pioneer, but also a female pioneer.

"Like many of us she has cited Martin Luther King as an inspiration. In reference to the civil rights struggle she has stated that "The best way to make dreams come true is to wake up."

(CD/GK)