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Saul Loeb / AFP - Getty Images file
First moonwalker Neil Armstrong and President Barack Obama get their picture taken on July 20, 2009, during an Oval Office meeting to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, was remembered by friends, colleagues and admirers as a man who made his country believe anything was possible with ingenuity and dedication.
A few examples from the outpouring of expressions for Armstrong, who died today at the age of 82:
President Barack Obama: "Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Neil Armstrong."
Neil Armstrong was a hero not just of his time, but of all time. Thank you, Neil, for showing us the power of one small step. -bo
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 25, 2012
"Neil was among the greatest of American heroes — not just of his time, but of all time. When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation. They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable — that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. And when Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten.
"Today, Neil's spirit of discovery lives on in all the men and women who have devoted their lives to exploring the unknown — including those who are ensuring that we reach higher and go further in space. That legacy will endure — sparked by a man who taught us the enormous power of one small step."
Buzz Aldrin, astronaut who was lunar module pilot on Apollo 11: "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. I had truly hoped that in 2019, we would be standing together along with our colleague Mike Collins to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of our moon landing. Regrettably, this is not to be. Neil will most certainly be there with us in spirit.
"On behalf of the Aldrin family, we extend our deepest condolences to Carol and the entire Armstrong family. I will miss my friend Neil as I know our fellow citizens and people around world will miss this foremost aviation and space pioneer. May he rest in peace.”
NBC's Jay Barbree, Brian Williams and former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly reflect on the life of Neil Armstrong.
Michael Collins, the astronaut who piloted the Apollo 11 command module and circled the moon while Aldrin and Armstrong went to its surface: "He was the best, and I will miss him terribly."
John Glenn, former U.S. senator and the first American in orbit, who went through jungle training in Panama with Armstrong: "When I think of Neil, I think of someone who for our country was dedicated enough to dare greatly."
Charles Bolden, NASA administrator: "As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind's first small step on a world beyond our own. Besides being one of America's greatest explorers, Neil carried himself with a grace and humility that was an example to us all. When President Kennedy challenged the nation to send a human to the moon, Neil Armstrong accepted without reservation. As we enter this next era of space exploration, we do so standing on the shoulders of Neil Armstrong. We mourn the passing of a friend, fellow astronaut and true American hero."
Mitt Romney, presumptive Republican presidential candidate: "Neil Armstrong today takes his place in the hall of heroes. With courage unmeasured and unbounded love for his country, he walked where man had never walked before. The moon will miss its first son of earth. I met and spoke with Neil Armstrong just a few weeks ago — his passion for space, science and discovery, and his devotion to America will inspire me through my lifetime."
Rep. Paul Ryan, R- Wis., presumptive Republican vice presidential candidate: "We lost a great American today. … This is a man who proved that we can imagine big things, who showed that in America you can set very lofty goals and accomplish them. Neil Armstrong is the epitome of American vision, American power, American creativity and how we can set the horizons and achieve our goals."
Leon Panetta, secretary of defense: "We are bidding farewell to one of our own. As a decorated Korean War veteran, as an astronaut for NASA, and as the first man to walk on the moon, Neil inspired generations of Americans to believe that as a nation we are capable of achieving greatness that only comes with determination, perseverance, and hard work. As a true pioneer, his one small step showed all mankind the great feats we can accomplish when we set ourselves to the task. While Neil is no longer with us, his spirit and his legacy of American achievement and national pride will live forever."
Nancy Conrad, widow of Apollo 12 commander Pete Conrad and founder and chairman of the Conrad Foundation: “Neil was a humble and personable man ... although he was the first man to walk on the moon, he never asserted his own ego into a conversation. Neil will always be remembered for the inspiration he gave to all of us to press on and to achieve our own personal greatness. He was the personification of the Giant Leap for mankind. Neil was not only a gentleman, he was a gentle man.”
See images from the career of astronaut and American hero Neil Armstrong.
Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., chairman of the Senate Science and Space subcommittee, who flew on the shuttle Columbia in 1986: "Neil Armstrong understood that we should reach beyond the stars. His 'one giant leap for mankind' was taken by a giant of a man."
John Boehner, R-Ohio, House speaker: "A true hero has returned to the heavens to which he once flew. Neil Armstrong blazed trails not just for America, but for all of mankind. He inspired generations of boys and girls worldwide not just through his monumental feat, but with the humility and grace with which he carried himself to the end. Ohio has lost one of her proudest sons. Humanity has gained a legend."
Rep. Ralph Hall, R-Texas, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee: "Neil Armstrong was an inspiration to all Americans, not only for his role in one of the proudest moments in American history, but also for his courage, grace and humility. He exemplified all that is great about mankind, and he will forever be revered as a true American hero."
Kenneth Murphy, president of the Moon Society: “In Lunam Aeternum: Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) may be gone, but he will forever be with us.”
Dan Pastuf, chairman, Students for the Exploration and Development of Space: “Many students first learn about space exploration through the great accomplishments of the past, like Armstrong’s historic and heroic landing on the moon. This was a journey that he himself said only had a 50-50 chance of success. Because of the groundwork Armstrong laid down, young people have been inspired throughout the world to pursue the limits of where we can explore.”
Elliot H. Pulham, CEO, Space Foundation: “Neil Armstrong was a humble, soft-spoken hero who never forgot that it was the will of the nation and the tireless work of thousands of scientists and engineers that enabled him to take that famous 'giant leap' for mankind. … Armstrong's quiet resolve and unyielding belief in the importance of exploration will be missed by a grateful nation.”
Lon Rains, chairman, Coalition for Space Exploration: “Neil was a humble man who devoted his life and his career to serving a greater cause. From the children who strive to explore the stars to those who devote their lives to reaching beyond the bonds of earth, one can only hope to follow in his footsteps."
More about Neil Armstrong's life and legacy:
- Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on moon, dies at 82
- Internet responds to first moonwalker's death
- Debunking nine myths about Neil Armstrong
- Armstrong family request: Wink at the moon
- Slideshow: A look back at an American hero's life
- Timeline: Glory Days on the Final Frontier
- What we didn't know about the moonwalk
- Neil Armstrong would still choose to go to the moon
- Video: NBC's initial report on Neil Armstrong's death
- Video: NBC's Bruce Hall recaps Neil Armstrong's career
Leave a Comment:
Here is an online memorial to Neil Armstrong - please feel free to light a virtual candle or sendvirtual flowers -
First Sally Ride, now another hero, Neil Armstrong. The stars are shining a bit dimmer this year. They will be missed.
Turn your teleprompter off, put away your prepackaged speeches, and cut out the niceties, Mr. Obama. You have NO right to espouse the heroics of a great man like Neil Armstrong. He was truly an AMERICAN hero, something you know nothing about. I will be surprised if NASA has enough in their threadbare budget to set off a bunch of bottle rockets after you decimated thier programs, Mr. Obama. Now go back to your graveyards and collect more voters names...
How in the hell do you people find these stories? It's in the tech section, yet you can't even spell white. Can one not enjoy a single story without the idiotic faux Brownshirt running amok?
Rest in peace good man, if there's nowhere up there for us, at least you've already been.
Obama did not cut NASA. He increased NASA funding and extended the Space Station for several more years. It was Bush, in 2004, who ordered that NASA end the shuttle program by 2010, which was later extended to 2011. Obama did cancel the constellation program (Ares rocket and CEV space capsule), but another program, called the Space Launch Rocket, and MPCV, has taken it's place. Obama also directed NASA to assist private industry in making a commercial space craft. The SpaceX Dragon is probably going to be the first successful one. It completed it's first test flight last year.
Source(s): www.space.com
And we are getting to the space station how, topcat?
Trolls should keep their hate inside for today. Even the "Candidates" are not bashing each other on this one. Why can't you just be RESPECTFUL for once, without attacking Obama?
Learn from Armstrong, that was never disrespectful, or cashed into his fame, instead of spewing HATE constantly.
How can you bring politics and your own hatred in at a time like this? The moon program was started by President Kennedy, a Democrat, and was carried on by a Republican , Nixon. They were Bitter Rivals but they understood the path for the country was more important than individual beliefs and party politics. We have lost our way with derisiveness and bitter name calling and hatred. Maybe Mr. Armstrong showed us the path again.
Was Mars Science Laboratory a 'bottle rocket?' Is the International Space Station? Commercial Crew? Orion?
You really don't pay attention to any other space stories here or anywhere else, do you?
This is either trolling, or ignorance. Neither one is pretty.
Soxfan: NASA, and its entire program is government funded. Therefore, in Teabagger terminology, it is a socialist program. In light of your idiotic ideology, you should be praising the President for ending the shuttle missions (although, there again as posted previously, he wasn't responsible for, to begin with)
PS Nice to see the GOP is getting a windbag start to their convention, via Mother Nature.
Sox has socks for brains and a stone for a heart.
Obama is a hypocrite by paying tribute to this great man.
Neil Armstrong was at odds with Barry for cancelling NASAs Constellation program. Mr. Armstrong even made a very rare public appearance to Congress to address this very issue in the spring of 2010.
I'm angry that this great pioneer of space exploration has seen this adminstration reduce NASA to hitching rides with the Russians and NO manned space flight of our own.
Mr. Obama, you are NO friend to NASA and definitely NOT the one suitable to honor Neil Armstrong.
Well he did it, so go pound sand
Obama did not cut NASA. He increased NASA funding and extended the Space Station for several more years. It was Bush, in 2004, who ordered that NASA end the shuttle program by 2010, which was later extended to 2011. Obama did cancel the constellation program (Ares rocket and CEV space capsule), but another program, called the Space Launch Rocket, and MPCV, has taken it's place. Obama also directed NASA to assist private industry in making a commercial space craft. The SpaceX Dragon is probably going to be the first successful one. It completed it's first test flight last year.
Source(s): www.space.com
To all trolls that want to bash Obama today: Please keep your hate away from this vine. There are PLENTY of other vines where you can express your sentiments.
Maybe this will make you shut up:
http://news.yahoo.com/mitt-romney-accused-wanting-gut-nasa-funding-213700254.html
Looks like you're the only one spewing hate, IRESPOND!
"Neil Armstrong was at odds with Barry for cancelling NASAs Constellation program."
Too bad. 'Barry' did the right thing. It was inefficient pork that might or might not have gotten someone back to the Moon by Neil's 100th birthday. There are cheaper ways to return to the Moon, and they don't have to look like Apollo.
I'm also sorry that it will never be possible to persuade Neil to change his contrarian views of NewSpace/manned commercial space. (Elon Musk, who also admired him, explicitly invited him to come see for himself how they do things.) Fortunately, there's still hope for Gene Cernan. You? I'm not so sure.
"...and NO manned space flight of our own."
So, Commercial Crew and Orion mean nothing to you, either?
Mercury did not overlap with Gemini, did not overlap with Apollo, did not overlap with the Space Shuttle. Constellation would still be many years in the future. We knew in 2004 that the Shuttle would be retired on the next President's watch, whomever that was. IF we wanted a continuous domestic human space launch capability of our own, then Congress should have authorized something sooner. This is just another gap, and we'll get through it just like the others. Only US access to the International Space Station, makes this gap any different.
By 2017 or so, you'll have three, possibly four US spacecraft to choose from, and the Falcon 9 and Atlas V launchers for them already exist. Reduce your degree of ignorance, 'Lest We Forget.' Get a (non-partisan) grip.
Also, had the President said nothing, you and others would surely have chastised him for that as well. What exactly would you have him do?
And NONE of this takes away from Neil's past achievements, which will be remembered as long as there are human beings to remember them...
I didn't notce "W"s, or Cheney's, dedication to this hero. Guess tributes from deserters and draft dodgers don't make the front pages. (Might want to check the Faux Noise Network for tributes by "others". Yet, FNN "news" usually is Page 80 in the back of most local news rags).
Hey Dougie...
Go do yourself a favor and see the new movie, 2016.
Hey Lest, we are going to go see that tomorrow. Funny how you don't hear a thing about this movie. There is no media coverage, nothing at all. Now if Michael Moore came out with another Bush-bashing feature, it would be covered by the liberal media. We all better go watch it before Obama pulls another executive priviledge stunt and pulls it from the market.
I feel sorry for these pathetic individuals who are incapable of setting their political hatred aside for even a minute. You reveal far more about yourselves than any lame comment you make about a president whose duties include paying tribute to someone like Mr. Armstrong. I'm sure Mr. Obama regarded it as more than just an obligation that goes with his office but regardless, it is in his job description.
But I DON'T feel sorry for people like you. You conveniently and ad nauseum use the word hate yet you give ANOTHER pass to this president that proved to be a slap in the face in what this national treasure had accomplished.
Neil Armstrong and Obama should NEVER be used in the same sentence. In the facts as I stated previously, one surely insults the other.
You, Dougie and your ilk just don't know when you've been shot, screwed AND snakebit.
@Lest: It gives nausea to you to see the first picture in the note, of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (if makes you sicker the better) with Neil Armstrong????? PERFECT THEN!!!!!
RIP Commander. Thank you for your service....
I noticed the photo! Looks as though he was in a really awkward moment. What, no good words from Harry and Nancy?
I did not know that you were a wizard that can read minds. How do you figure it was "awkward"? Interesting.
It wasn't hard. Just look at that "I don't know where I am" look on his face. Funny though, he seems to have that look in most of his photos.
Neil Armstrong was a great man. He deserves all our respect. Rest in Peace!
Spoken like a true communist. Phuck you and your 'opinion' on one of the biggest JOKES we've had as a POTUS. He never fails to seek out a photo op and since he was extremely instrumental in privatizing space exploration, he's the LAST person that should be seen with or eulogize Mr. Armstrong. LMAO! It's obvious that all these people that say "Gosh! Can't you people stop your politics for one moment and deal with the moment at hand?" are all a bunch of shtiheaded Odumbo supporters. Can't run from the facts thought and the present POTUS in NOT in favor of governmental spending on finding us a new planet to live on. How do you think that made the SUBJECT of this article feel? Idiots!
'Lest,' I don't know for sure if you hate Obama or not, though I have drawn conclusions on that which I'll not address here.
But what you surely are is...wrong. Inaccurate. Incorrect.
And I will call you out on that, and tell you why you are.
Don't want to hear it? Don't post.
"...he's the LAST person that should be seen with or eulogize Mr. Armstrong."
Dootimus, he's the President of the United States. You need not like that fact, but that alone makes him the FIRST one who should say something in Neil's honor. Period.
What would you say, if he did not?
Also:
"Can't run from the facts thought and the present POTUS in NOT in favor of governmental spending on finding us a new planet to live on."
Fact? Can you show me exactly where he said that? Or when there ever was such a policy?
Here's some facts. After Earth, the most habitable planet in this solar system is Mars (where we just landed a highly sophisticated rover, and have various other assets in place, BTW). Being naked-eye objects, I don't know who first 'found' Mars, but I'll give credit to the ancient Greeks and Romans, since they gave it the names that stuck. It's a little late for current policy to have an effect on that. Everything else circling this star, ranges from very difficult to impossible in terms of habitability.
I don't recall a presidential policy 'cancelling ' interstellar travel to any possible extrasolar habitable worlds, either (though there are operational planet finding space-based observatories out there), so I do not know what you possibly could mean.
Oh, and there's nothing in the NASA charter or anywhere in past US space policy involving the colonization of Mars or any other 'world for us to live on.'
Understand? It's not their job. It never has been. NASA is not all things space. You want colonization? Talk to Robert Zubrin or even Elon Musk. Not the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It's not what they're for.
Developing space transportation technologies that may enable others to do extraterrestrial colonization is arguably a NASA policy...and Constellation would have done nothing to that end. It would have required multiple tens of billions of dollars to produce a capability only slightly better than Apollo (three men on the surface instead of two, and somewhat longer stay times) somewhere near 2030, and well over a billion dollars per mission. That's all. If that's colonization, if that's 'a world for us to live on,' to you, I submit that your definition is far too loose...
You and others need to get over the idea that returning to the Moon needs to be done in a way that looks like Apollo. It was done that way for reasons that no longer exist. (we are no longer in a Cold War world where speed was more important than cost. A single heavy-lift launch with a separate Lunar lander was judged the way most likely to be achieved 'before the decade is out,' and before the Soviets....not the way that was most economical. You want that? You want orbital assembly and refueling, as was the general idea in the pre-Apollo days, using existing launch hardware.)
Neil didn't decide on the schedule or mission architecture, but like a good sailor (You know he was an ex-Navy fighter jock, right? Right?) he did what he was tasked to do, and did it well. This is what the rest of us are here to appreciate and honor, as is the current President, who decided none of those past policies, either.
Don't talk to me about getting 'facts straight.' What I have written is probably only history to you, but I'm an old space geek for whom all this was once current events...
Frank, good post. Thank you for the accuracy. "Lest" and his ilk just want to post foolish comments and inaccuracies to belittle the POTUS. I believe that, if the current state and ideology of the GOP were in the WH in 1969, Neil Armstrong would never have been on the Moon: it would've been "too expensive to the tax payer" because, "NASA is a socialist program".
Anyway, aside from my rant, many like Lest are probably ignorant of NASA's Mars rover mission: Curiosity. Taking my Celestron 8SE out tonight to see it! :-)
is amazing but when you think about future history Obama lincoln washington will all be little known and in china mao, and all great leader now will be little known or taught as era's flow only two men will be and should be taught in school Adolph Hitler for man's capacity for evil and Neil Armstrong for man's giant leap into greatness...
I too am saddened that all some people can focus on is their hatred and not the mourning of not only a national hero but a hero for all humankind. This article is meant to show that all who met Neal Armstrong thought he was a great person and an inspiration to us all. Regardless of your politics, hate speech is not what's called for here. I feel ashamed that for a short time you cannot put down your torches and pitchforks and unite under our nation's flag and celebrate the life of a man who gave of himself selflessly and didn't have to brag about it afterwards. There is still plenty of time between now and November to declare your political loyalties or slander those you are against. Now is the time support one another and the family of Neal Armstrong. Now is the time to take a breath and a moment of silence for, "A gentleman and a gentle man." Thank you Nancy Conrad for those elegant words.
On July 20, 1969 my daughter Shannon Lynn Neil was one of the first babies born on that day. The memories of that day are running thru my mind. I remember I was so excited to see the moon landing. Then, all of sudden I went into labor at 11:00 AM all the tvs were tuned on to see the landing. People everywhere standing up to the tv. Then, all of sudden the nurse yells "doctor, doctor they are landing on the moon" the doctor rushes out. Then all of sudden I started to give birth to my daughter. The nurse came in and yelled "doctor, doctor she is having her baby!" After giving birth the nurses said "you should name her after Neil Armstrong" I agreed. We were on the news and newspapers. I am saddened that my daughter never met him.
Great story. And that's a tribute to a great man.
It amazes me how some of you pathetic people can bring lame ass politics into this when a man has DIED!
You Dumb sh!ts, have you no respect? i dont give a dhamn if your a repub or demo.... leave your hateful comments out of this mans memorial articles.
Phuck you and your holier than thou attitude. Go play in heavy downtown traffic you PHUCKTARD.
@Dootiumus...why so vicious? you have the right to your opinions..everyone has...but why here? why now? why so hard to just acknowledge what a great thing a 'gentle man' did for America and the world? a hero had died, a wife lost a husbnad, children lost a father, grandchildren lost a grand dad...where is all this meanness coming from?
Here was a man, Armstrong, who in all his years on Earth, NEVER ONCE SIGNED AN AUTOGRAPH, because he did not feel he was that famous, and did not want it being resold to the highest bidder. He was constantly giving praise to others, those of his friends and co-workers, who helped make his historic space flight a reality. It was never a "Me, me, me" attitude with him. Unlike "Barry the Muslim Kenyan" who to this day says it was him who killed Bin Laden, and who thinks, in his own racist mind, that he is the second coming of Christ. Come Jan 20 2013, he will be nothing more than a rotten smelling morning flush.
..politics again....damn people...give it a friggin rest already !!!!......even Romney has taken a day off from Obama-bashing !!! whatever you dislike/hate about Ob will be there tomorrow, won't it? so just friggin drop it for ONE DAMN DAY, all this political bu*^sh+# diminishes a heroes death...
they can do it when you talk about a hurricane.every article comes back to politics.its a mental disorder.ride on neil.enjoy the sea of tranquility.
Nothing But Crap news posted the picture, blackleidee...imagne that, a left-wing libtard biased news organization putting a picture of one of America's greatest heroes EVER with a picture of Blowbama the SHAM POTUS...i have no problem applauding Neil Armstrong for his countless accomplishments to the US space program, but put Oblame-a next to him, and I am damn well gonna say somethin...
Neil Armstrong was a great man. barack not so. If not for baracks handlers he would be dumb as to who Mr Armstrong is.
OMGoodness !!!!! what is it that we CANNOT or WILL NOT keep f*^+ing politics out of this man tributes?! Even Romney has taken the damn day off !!!! whatever it is you despise about the current admin (and i do too) will friggin be there TOMORROW, won't it? why can't today be just about NEIL ARMSTRONG's passing?!
I remember that day he landed. I was 9 years old. Watching it on the old oval tube TV. We were lucky enough to have a TV. Back then Inever understood the wonder about it. To me it was just an everyday thing like flying. It wasn't until years later that I realized how awesome this feat was. The technology involved in going to the moon. All of the astronauts involved in space flight have to have some big cajones. They are true hero's!
Just goes to show how utterly confused and detrimental Odumbo is to this nation. First, he goes and privatizes the space exploration industry. Then, he takes a photo with Mr. Armstrong. Then, he posthumously lauds Mr. Armstrong's accomplishments. Never miss an opportunity to get your picture taken, isn't that right you joke of a POTUS??!! Time for a REAL change. Kick Odumbo to the curb in 2012!!!
@Dootimus: First YOU (goppers) complains that He is a Socialist, and then criticize Him because He "privatizes" (the most "capitalist" act of all) the space exploration.
Question: It's just hate because it doesn't "looks" like any other "Well Breed American"....?????
By the way, It was your beloved JR (43) that cancelled the Space Shuttle. He cancelled Constellation the way it was designed and changed the goal to achieve (instead of going to the moon again for the asteroids and Mars). Please, go back to Faux News (oh I forgot that they shut down any chance of comments in their own vitriol page) well, go back to your rock and wait until 2016.
..i am NO FAN of the person now residing in the WH...not at all...but why release all this crap on a thread that is supposed to be honoring an American hero...and Neil Armstrong was...all the POLITICAL comments here diminish the sadness of his passing...and it really shows that the hate WE feel toward the current occu pant of the WH is more important than a heroes death...where ever Neil is, i bet he's just shaking his head...
Because, blackleidee, Nothing But Crap news printed the picture of a GREAT American hero and a SHAM president...guess which one is which...
The real problem with the political hate in this country, is that some people can't escape it even when human decency is required.
RIP Neil Armstrong. You are indeed a great American hero who will be remembered as long as the moon revolves around the earth. "Houston, Tranquility Base, the Eagle has landed." Godspeed Commander.
How do you say "Dick with ears?"
Every time I see obamamination, I see a dick with ears.
OK, Ive had a few beers, but he still looks like a dick with ears. Chastise me for my opinion.
I applaud you for your opinion, S&W...
Not really for anyone over 14.
And Obama posts a photo of himself looking up at the moon. http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/08/26/to-honor-neil-armstrong-obama-posts-a-picture-of-himself
Nacissistic Jackass.
Because that is what Armstrong's family asked us to do. And the President of the United States doing so is a fitting tribute - unless you can't see past your own hatred.
Lie. It was a stock Obama photo just re-used.
State funeral? Let's hope not. Armstrong was a 'real' hero....let's keep the political bozos from trying to use him as a campaign prop...can you imagine Joe Biden speaking....? Makes me cringe. There are few in DC that measure up to him....and none of them are in the Congressional leadership or Executive leadership. Leave him to his family, and the nation. Let the political hacks assuage themselves by fighting over a fitting memorial somewhere on the National Mall....that should keep them busy for several years. They don't make 'em like Armstrong and his colleagues much anymore....we are grateful for having known him.....we are surely poorer for his passing.
Science editor Alan Boyle's blog: President Barack Obama orders that U.S. flags
be flown at half-staff in honor of first moonwalker Neil Armstrong, who passed
away over the weekend.
My flag is aready flying at half staff!! Neil is a GIANT loss for us all.....