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A multitude of flags stand at half-mast outside the Federal Building on Wilshire in response to Satu

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Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrates as it hurtles across Texas on Saturday on its way to Florida.

Skyward sorrow has once again united Americans in mourning and attracted deep sympathy from people around the world.

Seven astronauts died early Saturday, when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated in midair over East Texas, on its way to Cape Canaveral, Fla.

“This day has brought terrible news and great sadness to our country,” said President Bush, addressing the country in a televised statement Saturday. “Our entire nation grieves with you,” he said, to the victims’ families.

Shuttle debris scattered over Texas and Louisiana, but the impact of the tragedy is felt much further, across state and national boundaries.

In Iraq, which is bracing for possible war with the United States, some officials expressed sympathy for the American people.

“We respect their feelings and share their sadness,” said Bushra al-Samarai, a member of the Iraqi National Assembly.

Russian space officials offered condolences for the astronauts aboard the Columbia.

In Bagram, Afghanistan, the shuttle disaster deepened the grief already felt by U.S. troops after a helicopter crash killed four soldiers Thursday. “There’s been a lot of death this week, a lot of sadness,” said Maj. Tom Roltsch of Alexandria, VA.

At home memorials are being held, special services attended, and personal grieving is underway for Rick Husband, Michael Anderson, David Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Laurel Clark, William McCool, and Ilan Ramon.

The entrance to the Johnson Space Center in Houston was turned into a shrine for the fallen astronauts. Mourners left flowers, burning candles, teddy bears, American flags and notes.

“You will be remembered deeply and dearly by all,” said a note for Chawla, the first Indian-born woman in space.

“You’re our hero,” said a note for Ramon, the first Israeli in space.

Avishai Shraga, a fourth-year computer science student and the vice president of Bruins for Israel, said he was devastated by Ramon’s death.

“He made me, and I think everyone else in the Jewish community, feel so proud. He was a sign of the progress that we have been able to make, and for his dreams to come crashing down like this, it’s a real tragedy,” Shraga said.

About 100 people gathered at a local temple in Sunnydale, Calif., to remember Chawla.

“She pushed herself every step of the way ... For her, ever step was a great achievement,” said Atulya Sarin, a former high-school classmate of Chawla, in Karnal, India.

Those locally with a less personal connection to the fallen astronauts also felt the impact.

At the Baha’i Center of Los Angeles, the seven astronauts were remembered with a mix of songs, prayers and tributes.

“We’re here to honor those that were lost and to remember their loved ones who are going through such pain and agony,” said Jamie Heath, a member who led the service for some 300 members.

The Baha’i Association at UCLA held its regular interface devotional meeting Sunday, but included a prayer for the astronauts and their families in addition to their usual readings of various religious and non-religious texts.

Leila Seradj, a second-year international development studies student and vice president of the club, said the nine people gathered, of Baha’i, Jewish and Christian faith, were solemn and reverent as they held their reflection and prayer.

“This definitely gives me a sense of perspective. When something like this happens you realize you need to take advantage of what little time you have on earth,” Seradj said.

Other students share the club’s sense of sadness.

“It was weird because I watched the launch a couple of weeks back on the NASA channel and to find out that something like that happened, I was shocked and sad,” said Katherine Wilmore, a first-year political science student.

Ron Roiz, a third-year cybernetics student, said he was also shocked given the capabilities of modern technology. But he does not think the incident should prevent future voyages.  

“We should definitely continue to explore outer space for scientific advancement and to better humanity. Once they figure out what the problem was, it’s another lesson for future exploration,” he said.

President Bush uttered similar sentiments, making it clear that the country would continue with manned space flight, despite the risks.

“Mankind is led into the darkness beyond our world by the inspiration of discovery and the longing to understand.

“Our journey will go on.”

With reports from the Associated Press.