Saturday, August 25, 2012

R.I.P. Neil Armstrong

from Fox News: Neil Armstrong was a quiet, self-described "nerdy" engineer who became a global hero when as a steely-nerved U.S. pilot he made "one giant leap for mankind" with the first step on the moon.
The modest man who entranced and awed people on Earth has died. He was 82.
Armstrong died Saturday following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures, a statement from his family said. It didn't say where he died.
Armstrong commanded the Apollo 11 spacecraft that landed on the moon July 20, 1969, capping the most daring of the 20th century's scientific expeditions. His first words after setting foot on the surface are etched in history books and in the memories of those who heard them in a live broadcast.
"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," Armstrong said.
In those first few moments on the moon, during the climax of a heated space race with the then-Soviet Union, Armstrong stopped in what he called "a tender moment" and left a patch to commemorate NASA astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts who had died in action.
"It was special and memorable, but it was only instantaneous because there was work to do," Armstrong told an Australian television interviewer this year.
This is one of those :"where were you?" moments.  I was 8 years old and watched at home. (or at least a highlight)    And who has not heard the words "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,"
You just have to think about the chances these guy went through when they went to the moon.  Would the equipment work?  What happens if the space suits fail and other problems that may have come up.
But when the mission was over and the Navy ship picked up the space crew, the pride we felt in the accomplishment was awesome and everyone felt pride that the United States was the first country to make it to the moon.
Of course, now, with NASA being gutted, the pride is not there and I know Armstrong was none too happy about that.
Anyways, R.I.P. Neil Armstrong and thank you for your bravery and skill and for helping to make Americans feel pride in the United States.

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