R.I.P. Neil Armstrong (1930-2012)

By Nathan Young on August 25, 2012 • ( 2 Comments )

Very sad news came today for America. Neil Armstrong, who was the first person to walk on the moon and was a NASA Astronaut died and he was age 82. Armstrong commanded the Apollo 11 spacecraft that landed on the moon on July 20, 1969. The he radioed back to Earth what is one of the most historic quotes in American history. “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Neil Armstrong’s family put out this statement:

“While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves,” his family said.

“For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”

Neil Armstrong along with astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins blasted off in Apollo 11 on a nearly 250,000-mile journey to the moon that went down in the history books. It took the astronauts four days to reach their destination. The world was in awe as they watched the lunar module Eagle separate from the command module and begin its descent. Then came the words from Mr. Armstrong “Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed.”

Neil Armstrong was no doubt the most popular astronaut in American history. He inspired many people to take an interest in science and to follow the stars. This quote from Armstrong himself is something we can all follow. “Looking back, we were really very privileged to live in that thin slice of history where we changed how man looks at himself and what he might become and where he might go.”

The first great pioneer took a new step today as he stepped out of this world into the afterlife. Thank you Neil Armstrong for your service to our country and may Neil Armstrong rest eternally amongst the stars. R.I.P. and God Speed.