That night, spent watching those grainy b&w images on the TV until the Moon walk was done and the Sun had come up over England, is and will remain one of the big memories of my life. Thank you for that Mr A.

 

And I've just picked up an amusing story about him from the UK Guardian newspaper's website ... ... After Apollo XI's return, he, Aldrin & Collins were sent around the globe, making what were effectively state visits, and at one embassy bash a diplomat's wife was (understandably) gushing over his exploits. Armstrong was more interested in hearing about the various countries that she and her husband had been posted to over a twenty year career. "Oh, but Colonel Armstrong, you've been to the Moon." "That's true, ma'am, but it's pretty much the only place I've been." ... ... Greatness and humility are a powerful mix.

I listened to Neil Armstrong's touch down on the moon on AFVN radio in 1969, when I was with the Marines in Vietnam. It was one of the events that inspired me to carry on. Here are a few words that have always lifted me. They seem appropriate now:

 

wife leaving work @ Purdue just called to say a large gathering and a camera crew in front of the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering building...

 

I was watching as a (very young) kid... dad & I had built a probably 3' high Saturn V and a very cool (half foot high maybe?) lunar module.

 

Semper Fi hardcharger.

"That's true, ma'am, but it's pretty much the only place I've been." ... ... Greatness and humility are a powerful mix.

 

+1...lol

Rest in Peace.

A sad day indeed. I also watched, face glued to the TV in 1969 like most of the rest of the world. I was simply spellbound. He was as humble as he was brave. His fame or greatness was never on his agenda, never sought to parlay it into wealth on higher social standing and done himself proud without it. The story of his life and how he achieved the greatness we know of him should be taught to our children. He studied hard, learned well and worked hard to do what he loved - fly. From what I have learned of him going to the moon was simply a bit of icing on the cake. The ultimate role model if you ask me. Many people in the world today associate media or sports celebrities with greatness because the media says they are or because they do something outrageous to get attention. Folks, fame is not greatness, and the two don't necessarily go hand in hand. Greatness is bestowed upon one for the deeds they have done that set them well above the average persons ability. Let me put it this way, IMHO, people who want to be great and go out of their way to attain it usually fail and are simply famous. Greatness finds great people whether the like it or not.

 

Ian in post #9 mentions Neil's footprints on the moon. Neil Armstrong's remark on the subject was priceless and showed perfectly his humility. He was asked by a reporter about his footprints on the moon and his response was (I can't quote exactly so I'll just give my interpretation) "I hope someone goes back and cleans them up." I don't think he saying pretty them up. I bet he wished more would follow and put their footprints in the place of his.

 

I live about a hours drive north of where he grew up and where the museum is located: http://www.armstrongmuseum.org/

The museum is within sight of Interstate 75 and I always gawk at it as I go by. I have been to the museum twice and loved it.

 

The early astronauts and cosmonauts were doing what is really in our blood, exploring. Exploring has driven our species for as long as we have existed. You must admit that, seeing what is around the next corner, over the next hill or mountain, the other side of the river, the other side of the forest, the other side of the ocean, at the bottom of the ocean, or on the nearest planet or farthest star and last but not least the desire to fly like a bird and see from their vantage point is one of the traits that help define us as human beings. Curiosity and the strong nerve to satisfy it.

 

Bravo Neil Armstrong, bravo. Rest in peace my hero, my role model. If only I could be half as good I would be content.

 

Best regards to all,

Mel

Mel,

 

Fine eulogy. Outstanding!

They say if you are old enough to witness the landing you will never forget where you are (sort of like the assassination of John F. Kennedy for us Yanks). I was in the street in front our house playing baseball with the other kids on the street. I remember it a warm summer evening at dusk.

 

Parents yelled at us to come in and hurry. We all ran in and gathered around the good ol' black & white TV. And we just stared in awe. What I remember to was them showing how people from all around the world had stopped what they were doing and watching as well. Truly one of those moments where the world came together for a short period of time.

One month later, on August 9, 1969, I was married! We just celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary, and along with that, I celebrate Neil Armstrong's walk on the Moon. Wonderful memories that make me proud of America, and proud of our wonderful "union" of being together. These are so intertwined in my memory. "One small step.....and your life is forever changed, for the better"!

 

Stan

We'll never forget you Mr Armstrong, a real hero.

An amazing man and truly, the real deal.

 

Here is proof that LIFE itself plays fun too:

 

http://urbanlegends....ry/blgorsky.htm

 

So long Neil.

 

Cheers,

 

MAB