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See images from the career of astronaut and American hero Neil Armstrong.
Friday morning's memorial service for first moonwalker Neil Armstrong, who passed away last weekend, is strictly private — but his family has specified at least four ways that you can pay tribute to the man who took a giant leap into the cosmos.
First, about that private service: It's due to take place at a club in Cincinnati at 11 a.m. ET. Although admittance is by invitation only, media representatives were told where to gather and who'll be available for interviews. Among the VIPs are NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders (who played a role in taking the famous "Earthrise" picture of our planet as seen from lunar orbit in 1968). U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, is slated to give the eulogy.
NASA photographer Bill Ingalls will be taking pictures and posting them to the NeilArmstrongInfo.com website that's been set up for the family to communicate with the public.
The folks handling the arrangements for the private service report today that "plans are under way to conduct a national service in Washington in the next two weeks" to celebrate Armstrong's life and legacy. In accordance with President Barack Obama's proclamation, U.S. flags are to be flown at half-staff until sunset Friday as a mark of respect for Armstrong, who died at the age of 82 after suffering complications from heart surgery.
Also today, the family posted a statement about other ways to honor the man they've called a "reluctant American hero":
"To everyone who has so graciously remembered Neil Armstrong:
"The outpouring of condolences and kind wishes from around the world overwhelms us and we appreciate it more than words can express.
"Many have asked if a memorial has been designated. If anyone wishes to make a memorial in his name, we suggest, in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to one of these worthy organizations:
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Neil Armstrong New Frontiers Initiative
PO Box 5202
Cincinnati, OH 45201-5202
www.cincinnatichildrens.orgTelluride Foundation
Neil Armstrong Scholarship Fund
620 E. Colorado, Suite 106
PO Box 4222
Telluride, CO 81435
www.telluridefoundation.org/index.php?page=donate-hereThe American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Neil Armstrong Scholarship Fund
AIAA Foundation
1801 Alexander Bell Drive
Suite 500
Reston, VA 20191
www.aiaa.org
Matt Sullivan / Reuters
A portrait of Neil Armstrong is displayed during a public memorial service at the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio, on Wednesday. Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta in 1930. Hundreds gathered at the museum for Wednesday's service. More about the service from The Lima News.
Cincinnati's WLWT.com reported that Apollo 17 commander Gene Cernan and Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell will be at Cincinnati Children's Hospital on Friday morning, in advance of the memorial service, to talk about the Neil Armstrong New Frontiers Initiative. The hospital says it hasn't yet decided upon the focus of the Armstrong fund — but during Friday's visit, the astronauts reportedly will be joined by Shane DiGiovanna, a 14-year-old patient who has a rare tissue disease and received a cochlear implant that allows him to hear.
In addition to the three charities listed today, the family has made one other suggestion for honoring Armstrong. Remember? "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."
Friday's moon is a good one to wink at: It's the second full moon in a calendar month, which is known as a "blue moon." The moon won't actually be blue, but if the skies are clear, it should be big and bright and shining all night. If the skies are cloudy, you can still click on over to Slooh.com's online blue-moon-viewing party and wink at the screen. Slooh will pay tribute to Armstrong by focusing remote-controlled telescopes on Tranquility Base and bringing some surprise guests on air.
Other tributes to Neil Armstrong:
- Picturing Neil Armstrong: Joe Latrell tells me that his venture, Photos To Space, will launch a photo of Armstrong on a future memorial rocket flight. "If you would like to participate and send your photo too, just follow these steps: 1) Like us on Facebook. 2) Post your photo to our page. 3.) Share with your friends," he writes. "We'll send up every picture posted along with Neil's on our next flight. There is no charge. It's our way of paying homage to a really great man."
- Back to the moon: Australian astronomy lecturer/writer Dave Reneke proposes that a monument to lunar explorers should be prepared for eventual delivery to the moon's Sea of Tranquility, where Apollo 11 landed in 1969. Reneke also suggests that some of Neil Armstrong's ashes could be interred on the moon. There's some precedent for that: A vial containing the cremated remains of space geologist Gene Shoemaker was placed on NASA's Lunar Prospector probe, which slammed into the moon in 1999.
- What's in a name? There's already an Armstrong Crater on the moon, as well as an asteroid named Armstrong. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson says the first crewed spacecraft to Mars should be named the "Armstrong." That's not a bad idea, but there are other possibilities. The name could work as well for a lunar habitat (Armstrong Station?) or even for an Armstrong-class lunar lander (make sure the pilot has the option of taking manual control of the descent, as Neil did in 1969). And it's not too early to be thinking about a commemorative stamp set and/or coin to mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing in 2019. Got any ideas? Feel free to pass them along in your comments below.
Aside from being the first man to walk on the moon, astronaut Neil Armstrong was also a decorated aviator and a veteran of 78 combat missions over Korea. NBC's Brian Williams reports.
More about moon memorials:
- The push is on to preserve Apollo 11 base
- Most of the Apollo moon flags are still standing
- Going to the moon? Don't touch the artifacts, NASA says
- Looking back at Apollo 11: Something to celebrate
Alan Boyle is NBCNews.com's science editor. Connect with the Cosmic Log community by "liking" the log's Facebook page, following @b0yle on Twitter and adding the Cosmic Log page to your Google+ presence. To keep up with Cosmic Log as well as NBCNews.com's other stories about science and space, sign up for the Tech & Science newsletter, delivered to your email in-box every weekday. You can also check out "The Case for Pluto," my book about the controversial dwarf planet and the search for new worlds.
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At just about every airport in the country, invariably there is a Neil Armstrong Road, a Neil Armstrong Way. a Neil Armstrong Circle. That's tribute enough for this humble man who felt unease about all the accolades poured on 1 man.
The best way to honor Neil Armstrong is to elect leaders who are strong supporters of NASA and space exploration.
Thanks Alan those are all worthy ways to honor and celebrate the life of Neil Armstrong.
Unfortunately, such leaders are typically the same people who don't believe in science. I will never vote republican as long as they continue to court the religious right.
Z-933870, so... the people who don't believe in science are the ones who contribute most to space exploration? Sounds like your logic is flawed.
the only notable thing neil armstrong ever did was keep his lie a secret for 44 years. if you honestly believe we landed on the moon, you're an impressionable idiot. theres no way our primitive species has the technology for that. looking forward to the day when NASA stops being one big joke. it certainly wont be in my lifetime.
Well until I see a picture of an actual flag, footprint, lunar rover, etc on the moon instead of blacked out boxes on google moon and a series of photos over months from NASA showing supposed footprints that look like pencil marks and a shadow of a flag that looks like a black mark on a picture (when we can see planets 1000 light years away and put a robot on Mars to show close up photos and collect stuff) I say we should remember him with a giant statue inside Washington D.C.. A giant statue of an asterisk. They could put it beside Lance's and name them the Armstrong Asterisks.
Jeff12345,
This isn't flawed logic at all. Republicans favor space exploration for various reasons. That doesn't change the fact that large numbers of republicans are also quite religious and their religion overrides science when it suits them. Therefore, my statement is not contradictory. I am in favor of BIG increases of NASAs budget. I am not in favor of religious legislation. I will pick separation of church and state before I pick space exploration. It's simply more important to me. Unfortunately, I have to pick between to the two because I only have two options.
Sadly, no one could accomplish today what Armstrong accomplished. He was able to do what he did because of his own innate ability (landing the Eagle manually when the computer failed) AND because Americans had the vision, know how and will to support the space program.
Now no one wants to pay the taxes to support space exploration because it may mean one less big screen television in their McMansion and public education is in the toilet because selfish people do not want to pay to educate other folks' children.
"theres no way our primitive species has the technology for that."
Said the man using a computer, connected to a world-wide network of computers...
Hey (MS)NBC - don't you mean Neil Young? Oops, you already made that mistake.
Everyone meet Steve, the man who has never made any type of mistake in his life!
And now meet Sam, they guy that is always there to point out people like Steve.
And now meet Ophotfoot, the guy that always has to point out the guy pointing out the guy.
lol, this could go on forever. Madness.
If you really want to honor Neil Armstrong, continue his work! Write to your Congress person and insist on increased funding for NASA. We should have bases on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn by now! Not just a remote controlled vehicle on Mars. The Apollo astronauts and the space program got my generation excited about what we could do. IF we can put a man on the moon, we can do anything! As a teacher, it would be easier to get my students excited about life and exploration if we jump started NASA like we did in the 60's! Thanks to all of the Gemini and Apollo era NASA workers who got me excited about life. Neil your one small step is a step that mankind will always be proud of! Thanks for the memories!
This is a fantastic idea. We should be ruling the whole solar system by now.
The craft or base doesn't even have to be named after him. Just as long as the ship flew in space, or the base becomes established. That's all he would want.
First honor a Democratic President, John F. Kennedy, who raced a BIG GOVERNMENT program, NASA, against a BIG GOVERNMENT nation, Soviet Union to get Mr. Armstrong to be the icon he became.
Government BUILT IT, using our tax dollars.
Sadly Mr. Armstrong died a staunch Republican. Not advocating for more taxes to help the nation succeed in science and technology but an ignorant adherence to home-schooling and getting rich but keep all money in overseas banks.
Mr. Armstrong died revering a Universe he sees with billions upon billions of galaxies and stars was made only 6000 years ago. This, in the midst of the hottest summer on record.
Mr. Armstrong died not believing Climate Change is happening.
Rest in peace Neil Armstrong.....
Sorry Romney and Ryan will take leadership and become the biggest bother to Mother Earth's survival....
Mr. President, Barrack Obama you did well
What a shame Mitch "the witch" McConnell led the nation down a path that the best of JFK would never emerge from you.
But take solace the Rover landed successfully on Mars under your spiritual watch!
gridlock-2307416 - You just HAD to play the political card didn't you? Please go back to where you came from.
gridlock=ass
Dear Gridlock,
Political Rhetoric has no place in discussing Neil Armstrong's great accomplishments to mankind.
By the way REAL AMERICANS built NASA not Obama.
Neil Armstrong was a LEGENDARY MAN of epic proportions, who was brave, and a true AMERICAN hero.
His efforts and greatness to mankind are almost unmatched by any man or women. Neil you are a hero to millions and a great man and father.
The world will miss you. You did it RIGHT.
Thanks,
JOE CITIZEN OF HARDWORKING AMERICA
It has become to late for me to move into the moon. I hope that my grandchildren will have the choice. I don't care if NASA or business gets us here. Please not the Chinese government. Heinlein wrote books about the moon, and how to throw rocks ( The Moon is a Harsh Mistress ). Let us become pioneers again.
Bob:
"If you really want to honor Neil Armstrong, continue his work! Write to your Congress person and insist on increased funding for NASA."
Most of NASA's problems are not about enough money. It's about a Space Policy that only recently is becoming rational. and too many powerful entities that became too comfortable with the status quo, both in and out of government...
Double the budget if you like, it says nothing about how it'll be spent. If we continue to assume that future human space flight (not all of which will be pure exploration, and that's okay) has to resemble the way we did it before (Apollo), money will get disproportionally sucked away into such projects, and continue to take decades to restore capabilities only slightly better than Apollo, that will do nothing to truly open space.
Oh, and Shosyn? Easy on the hype. Neil Armstrong was simply a very talented test pilot and astronaut, whose name came up for mission 11. It could have been any of his colleagues, and later there would be ten more of them on the Lunar surface. Neil didn't 'build' it all himself either, as he would surely be the very first to point out.
What an incredible load to carry all these years constantly putting on a show. It must have been very hard for him. We never went to the moon. Period. End of story. In 1969 it took walls of lead a foot thick to pass through the Van Allen Belts. The russians quit trying after frying 3 of their cosmonauts.
We as a people, we Americans have been had, Since the death of JFK everything has been orchestrated. We need to stop that. HOW??? The 1st thing you have to do is stop letting the government lie to you. Demand the truth. Stand on principal. Never give up, never give in.
@!$%# you.
@!$%# you.
God save us from this blither! You are surely the scientist who never was. Just a wannabee. Obviously you got mad (aka "insane") and stayed mad a long time ago. STFU!
Oh, really? And how do you explain the DOCUMENTED fact that the lunar dust A) did not drift around in any air currents and B) did not fall to the lunar surface with anything even approaching the speed it would have been given had it actually been on Earth?
Please, explain that for everyone, and provide some REAL Scientific documentation -- not just your own conspiracy theory opinion.
I actually felt parts of my brain die while reading this post.
Ahem:
http://www.wwheaton.com/waw/mad/mad19.html
Just for a start.
If we faked it, do you honestly think the Soviets or the Chinese wouldn't have called the bluff YEARS ago??!?!
How about the fact that most major universities in the world have lasers that can "map" the left-over lunar rovers, Apollo lander "staging", and even (recently) the flag Armstrong and Co. planted? Is NASA somehow hacking into all those computer imaging programs to create false images?
The only conspiracy is how nutjobs like you have managed to either:
A) avoid getting locked up in a mental institution...or
B) access the internet from the secure ward for the terminally stupid and paranoid at your current institution of residence.
If this is gonna be a cheap pissing contest, go get your umbrellas and come on back.
@Getmadstaymad: ordinarily I'd attempt to make some more eloquent comment regarding your ridiculous troll, but not tonight - not when you attempt to besmirch the tremendous accomplishments of some of the smartest and dedicated individuals who ever graced the planet. Several years ago I had the opportunity to visit the National Air and Space Museum in DC where I saw display of the command module from Apollo 11. I also had 2 engineering professors who worked in industry on the Apollo program. In spite of irrefutable physical evidence - including recent photos of the Apollo landing sites and artifacts - there continue to be people who wish to spin elaborate conspiracy theories which are actually more fantastic than a human mission to Mars. It's sad that in this country our taxes have gone to print a kindergarten diploma for someone as obviously uneducated as yourself. It's a pity you decided to discontinue your pursuit of knowledge but perhaps you realized you had achieved the pinnacle of your accomplishments with that certificate.
I think the best way for us to honor Neil Armstrong and the rest of the pioneers of the space program would be us for us to deliver memorials at each of the Apollo sites in person.
Hey buddy, maybe you got one too many "X-Rays", I'm sure your CT scans shows nothing "upstairs"
Hey ALAN BOYLE! Do you have any suggestions as to how we can educate these poor misguided people that there actually was a REAL Apollo space program and that men did indeed walk on the moon?
I have a dozen or so BOOKS (the kind with words and sentences)about NASA and the space program, all from different authors who report in minute detail every plan, every design, details of every mission within these books. Details so incredibly obscure and unique (repeated throughout these books about the project) that even the best fiction writers in the world couldn't get together and make up this stuff. If we could get these people to read just one or two of these books, they would have a totally different perspective on how huge and how detailed the space program actually was. And how it would be truly impossible to fake something like this. Not to mention the thousands and thousands of people that either directly or indirectly worked on the project.
Little things like when an Apollo 11 astronaut (I think it was Aldren) accidentally broke off the toggle switch to fire the rocket that would enable them to leave the moon. After a couple of moments of panic, they used a pen cap to push in the breaker switch. Just something as mundane and trivial as that, and there are hundreds of these little factoids. Again, it would be very hard to create all these tiny little occurrences, and keep them all straight. Wouldn't you think that at least ONE author of these books might have slipped up in "the lie" and told something difference? It's all in the details. Details and documentation YOU CANNOT FIND ON YOUTUBE!!!!!!
And of course you have to do this research with an open mind, something ironically the hoaxers say us "believers" don't have! But all their evidence seems to be from YouTube videos, and all of the tired old arguments can be satisfactorily dis-proven. How much more open minded do WE have to be?
Time to take off the tinfoil hats and accept what is right in front of your nose.
Yep - if you believe that Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, you probably believe that Muslim fundamentalists planned and carried out the 9/11 attack.
We are all being conned - the movie "Wag The Dog" is not far from the truth.
@ Getmadstaymad - did you ever think that the Russians told a little lie? I know the Russians are known for their honesty, but is it possible that they killed three cosmonauts because of human error, or a breach of some sort, or mechanical failure? Is it possible that the Russians said it was the Van Allen Belts in hopes of discouraging us from going to the moon while they figured out what went wrong and continued their program in hopes of getting there first? Is it possible that they lied because they didn't want to admit their failures and they had to blame it on something that the majority of the population would not be able to question?
dmiller2413- NOOOO!!! The Russians would NEVER lie to US!! Especially not when there was a cold war going!! They ALWAYS told us the truth and everything they were doing- there was no need for US to have spies in East Germany and Russia!
Ok, enough sarcasm. I think the fact that Derek and Getmad haven't provided a single shred of fact or evidence is proof enough they are wrong (about both the Landing and 9/11)
Ignorant git or incredibly successful troll? I'm guessing both.
It's funny because I bet a lot of the younger folks today that believe the moon landings were a hoax, have probably never even heard of the Cold War or knows anything about what was going on in that era. I'm sure they were taught it in school, but you know, if it doesn't come from YouTube then they won't pay attention to something without pictures and longer than 10 minutes.
And the older folks that believe the moon landings were a hoax, are just plain paranoid.
I'm the first one to say that I don't trust ANY politician, I think they are all greedy, self-serving and corrupt. But if Nixon couldn't get away with something as relatively small as Watergate, then it would be pretty impossible covering up something that involved tens of thousands of people, directly involved with the Apollo project. All it would take (like Watergate) is to have one or two reporters crack that conspiracy wide open. (yeah, just like in your favorite movie Gemini 1- or whatever that stupid movie is called) But that never happened, you'd think just ONE reporter out of the hundreds across the land would have uncovered something by now that would have once and for all proven this thing was a hoax. No? Then I guess it really happened.
If I may offer Buzz Aldrin's rebuttal:
You want to honor Neil Armstrong?
Put away your bible, or other religious tome. Time to move forward.
Teach your kids to value science and math and true achievements.
Teach them that athletes and rappers aren't heroes, but are distractions and products.
Teach them to dream! Help them learn how to achieve!
Encourage them to think, to question, to work for the betterment of everyone, not just to line their pockets!
Teach them to demand better of their fellow man and to deliver better when asked!
And for everyone's sake, lead by example.
Considering how many astronauts are also deeply religious (Armstrong included), I don't see how you "honor" someone by denigrating their beliefs. In fact, these people should be looked at as those who understand that science and religion do not have to be diametrically opposed.
Pete, Back off and point that damned thing in a different direction.
Well said.
To those who pooh poohed PeteMT...
I think he meant that people should think for themselves and not be brainwashed into blindly believing. I asked my very intelligent mother why she believes in "God" and she said because I was brought up to. She never questioned the fact that there might not be one. Think for yourself. Learn and decide (with everything in life).
Use your brain. As said time and time again "it's a terrible thing to waste."
Blindly following the Bible and Religious leaders: Bad idea
Using the Bible as a GUIDE book how to live a good life: Good idea
Religion and Science are NOT mutually exclusive. Religion is faith in what exists spiritually and doesn't evolve, Science is facts about the physical world & how it works and is constantly evolving.
No, they're not. But morons have hijacked the religious institutions of America. Therefore, the dominant religious system in America is antiscience.
Some very intuitive posters here.. and some, well, not so much.
Sir, I came to attention and saluted you with the respect you deserve one last time. May you rest in peace, I would give anything to see what you have from space.
As for that Lunar Habitat, "Tranquility Base" would be a good name.
Oddly enough, I was looking up at the moon on the eve prior to hearing Mr. Armstrong had passed, thinking about that crew and the moon mission. About 3 or 4 times, I gazed at the moon that night, not just a glance, but really looking at it in wonder, even had a conversation with a family member about the lunar landing back in July, 1969.
I'm considering that it was (unknowingly at the time) our moment of honoring of Neil.
You can honor Neil by finding a conspiracy theorist and just slapping them.
Second that...
Consider naming our Moon after this beloved astronaut - Neil Armstrong. Our global memory of him is and will be forever linked to our only natural satellite.
Great Eagle Scout.
Great Person.
Great American.
Enjoy the heavens again.
I miss him already. We are outnumbered, and out gunned. At least when he spoke for continuing the space program, it was words from the man who fist stepped on the moon. If It's allright with you all, I think I'll go and put on some neil young, this bud's for you......meanwhile we'll keep on rockin in the free world and keep on a tryin to get a base set up on the moon so we can safely move on out through the solar system and then beyond.....flame out or not, but that's what's gonna happen no matter what you type.....
A Man Who TAUGHT How to EAT HUMBLE PIE! with TWO HANDS!
Aloha Mr. Neil Armstong you will be missed and thank you so much for the amazing history that I proudly got to witness during my lifetime.
God Bless Neil Armstrong. There is no one else who has done what he has done first. Human kind has to take another step before surpassing that achievement.
After the Apollo 11 landing, Neil Armstrong spent the rest of his life known as the "The first step on the moon".
There is literally no comparison to any other human achievement what so ever.
Neil Armstrong could have been President of the USA if he had chosen that path following the Apollo mission, but he chose a more private path.'
The World owes a debt to Neil Armstrong that we should never forget!
I called my Senators office two days ago and talked to some clerk , just try to talk to your public servants .
I worked as an engineer for McDonnell and Grumman in the sixties and seventies and I think Neal should be on Mt Rushmore. This has to be the highest achievement of mankind to date, As a symbol to all who worked in Aerospace and the Astronauts/Cosmonauts.
Years ago I heard someone say as long as man walks on the Earth Neal Armstrong will be remembered.
I don't think its unreasonable to honor him this way.
Jeff Joseph Sr.
Great Idea actually, but maybe Neil should have his own mountain? :) But a huge Mt Rushmore style of Neil Armstrong is a great idea.
We need a "scientific" Mt Rushmore- should include Neil, Chuck Yeager, Madame Curie, Einstein, and others of scientific importance
While there is some controversy as to whether Columbus was the first to discover the "New World" there is no doubt that Neil Armstrong was the first human to step out onto another celestial body. Accomplishments get eclipsed by something greater. I doubt that the accomplishment Neil Armstrong made will ever be eclipsed.
There is no one that ever lived that is cooler than Neil Armstrong.
Picking up dust, contact ligth. "The Eagle has Landed".
There should be some kind of military decoration for that,. I.E. Yes it worked and only you did it first ! :)
It should be the most impossible medal for anyone to receive.
Though ex-Navy, Neil was a civilian at the time, and NASA is not part of the Department of Defense, either.
But he (and the rest of his crew) did receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969, which is the highest civilian honor we give.
We didn't just wait for him to die to honor him, you know...
Frank, Thanks for that information. That crew definitely deserved what ever the top available medal was at the time, at the least.
It would be nice if the Smithsonian got the medal for display,
All kidding aside though, I had the honor to meet one of the Apollo Astronaughts while he was active.
The women were all over him and he was more popular than the Beatles with wealthy house wives and their opportunistic husbands.
But, being an Apollo Astronaught , he just blew it off back story there. As a joke he gave me his place in his limousine full of hungry cougars :) I was all of about 12 years old at the time.
No kidding though. It amazes me that anyone would sit on top of Saturn 5 rocket and allow themselves to be launched to the moon. It did happen and so far nothing has ever happened that compares to that.
To this date, there is no launch vehicle that compares to the Saturn 5. Not even close.
As I drove into work this morning, in front of me, I had a huge Orange moon with the craters having a faint blue hew to them, setting on the horizon. I also noticed that the face of "The Man On The Moon" was not noticeable, as if to say the Man on the moon isn't here. Seems fitting to have the memorial service on a day that doesn't happen very often, a "Blue Moon" for a man who had a once in a life time opportunity. Neil Armstrong was a man worthy of being looked up to!!! God Speed Neil!!!
It's unfortunate that a particular non-American didn't order the United States Flag lowered to half staff, for the week.
Huh?
BO is a HUGE hyocrite. Neil Armstrong battled Obama and his admin over the future of NASA.
Then he 'acts' like hes honoring him?
GO POUND SAND, BARRY!
You can't honor someone you disagree with?
"BO is a HUGE hyocrite. Neil Armstrong battled Obama and his admin over the future of NASA."
Neil was unwilling to give the new space companies the support and confidence they deserved. He declined invitations from Elon Musk (who also admired him) to visit SpaceX and see for himself how they do things.
Neil was wrong on this. (and Albert Einstein never accepted quantum physics, either)
Even the greatest of men can sometimes be wrong. That's what it means to be human. Deal with it. Gene Cernan agreed with him at first, but is reexamining the matter. Respect Neil and his accomplishments, and move on.
"Then he 'acts' like hes honoring him?"
Who are you to say it was an 'act?' This kind of political polarization is half of our problem. It's become impossible for people to believe that you can disagree with someone, yet still respect them. As the President of the United States (like it or not), he should be the FIRST to step up with honors.
What would you say, if he did not?
'Damned if you do...' Lest. You can't have it both ways.
In other words, "There is no one that compares to Neil Armstrong." :)
It's too bad we dont' have Neil Armstrong type of person running for President It would be a slam dunk.
These are very different jobs. Being good at one, doesn't guarantee you'll be good at the other...
Another space hero, John Glenn, ran for the presidency once. How far did that get?
John Glenn is a good example of a successful politician. He's been a senator for decades. I don't think he seriously wanted to be President, but he was happy to be an influential senator. Same with Neil Armstrong, he never wanted to be President either.
But I am convinced that Neil Armstrong could have easily been President if he had pursued it.
Just imagine what the world might look like if Neil Armstrong became President of the USA after landing on the moon? Its a 3 book series.
God Bless Neil Armstrong, but if you believe in Re-incarnation, you can be sure that Neil is not dead :)
Think about that, Neil Armstrong died as the most accomplished human on earth. If anyone could re-incarnate it is Neil Armstrong.