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Neil Armstrong: 1930-2012 
It has been over 40 years since the famous sentence was uttered under the cold black sky of the moon, the first voice to be sounded on that rock in the history of time: "It is one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Who of us doesn't know this phrase, this sentence uttered by the first man ever to step on our moon? That man, Neil Armstrong, a legend of these modern times, dies this weekend at age 82. |
| According to the Armstrong family, Neil died from “complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures." He had been sick for a while and had undergone heart bypass surgery this month, and his recovery was thought to have been going well. His death came as a shock to many who knew him and believed he was on the road to a full recovery. |
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Known as a quiet and private person, at heart a technical person, an engineer and a pilot, Neil became one of the most famous figures in recorded history after his mission on July 20, 1969, as the commander of the Apollo 11 spacecraft. The flight that ended the Soviet-American space race of the 1960s. |
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The moment Neil said his famous sentence: |
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On that day, Mr. Armstrong and his co-pilot, known as "Buzz" (real name Edwin) Aldrin. landed at the southwestern shore of the Sea of Tranquillity. It was touch and go the last minute or two, with computer alarms sounding and fuel running low, but they made it. They had landed on the moon for the first time in human history. That milky orb countless millions look at, worshipped, and died under. |
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This is what Buzz Aldrin had to say of Neil's passing: "I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Neil Armstrong today. Neil and I trained together as technical partners but were also good friends who will always be connected through our participation in the mission of Apollo 11. Whenever I look at the moon it reminds me of the moment over four decades ago when I realized that even though we were farther away from earth than two humans had ever been, we were not alone. Virtually the entire world took that memorable journey with us. I know I am joined by millions of others in mourning the passing of a true American hero and the best pilot I ever knew. My friend Neil took the small step but giant leap that changed the world and will forever be remembered as a landmark moment in human history."
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(After planting the iconic American flag on the moon) |
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| (Photo of Buzz taken by Neil) |
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(Before the mission) |
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(Later in life) |
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(Most recent photo of Neil Armstrong) |
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We've lost a part of history with his passing, but most importantly, and no less true - we lost a great man. |
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Submitted by: Karen Hed |
