I think it’s no secret that the Interstate Highway System, Cars, and The Space Program are three of my favorite things. I’ve posted about all of them before in many ways.
I’ll have to admit, I think the Space Program has done more for the world than just about anything else we Americans have had to offer.
Tang, Teflon, and the Microwave alone have made a difference.
The Astronauts were my first heroes. I remember the seven men from the Mercury Project, I remember President Kennedy saying that we would put “a man on the moon by the end of the decade.”
Due to an assassin’s bullet, the President didn’t live to see that dream come true. But I did. On July 21, 1969 – I was seventeen – Neil Armstrong made that giant leap for mankind by taking one small step onto the surface of the moon. The moon was forever changed for those of us who knew that no man had been there before, and that the dusty surface, heretofore un-ruffled, was now a pedestrian pathway.
That step gave the American Space Program and America the shot in the arm it needed to remind itself of its greatness, its place in the world, and what we had to offer.
Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon, and we as a nation are forever in his debt for that boost. His courage, desire, drive, and dedication inspired millions, gave us pride in our nation, and allowed The United States of America to shine.
He was a hero, he remains a hero, and the Eagle Scout from the small town of Wapokeneta, Ohio changed history, lives, and how we felt about ourselves as a nation. Yes, one small step from the man we lost this week was a giant leap for mankind.
RIP Neil Armstrong – 08-05-1930 - 08-25-2012.
7 comments
Comment by Diane on August 27, 2012 at 9:34 am
Very nice writing. Mrs. Carson and Mrs. Baker would be proud.
He was a pioneer.I can’t fathom the courage of those who venture into the universe like he did.
Comment by Richard Glenn Harden on August 27, 2012 at 9:39 am
I remember hearing his words from the moon listening to the radio in the ‘Headquarters’ cabin at band camp. We all walked outside and looked up at the moon – it was a special moment…
Comment by Tony P on August 27, 2012 at 10:32 am
Actually usage of microwave RADAR came about in the early 1930′s. It has found it’s way into cooking appliances, and even our mobile telephones.
Comment by Nola Thacker on August 27, 2012 at 10:26 pm
Wonderful; simple and concise and poignant.
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Comment by Millionaire Mike on August 27, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Nicely said.
Comment by Zola (UP's Sister) on August 28, 2012 at 9:45 am
You remembered to mention “Tang”
Great post. He was a hero. Truly dedicated to giving of his life for the benefit of his country and others. And, I agree with Diane, Baker and Carson both would be very proud of you.
Comment by BJ on August 28, 2012 at 6:21 pm
Great post. I also remember the day he stepped from the Lunar Lander onto the moon. My family was on vacation in Florida. Mom and Dad in one room and all us kids in the adjoining room. It was on TV and we were all piled on the beds in Mom and Dad’s room watching it happen. I can also remember seeing Sputnik for the first time and there doesn’t seem to be that great a spread between the dates. We kicked their asses! One more comment – wasn’t it nice of our narcissistic President to send the Armstrong family a photo of himself…unbelievable!!