Neil Armstrong, One Great American
August 29, 2012 10:03 AM 
It was July 20th, 1969 and the world was riveted to their TV sets watching what was once the unthinkable, a man walking on the moon. I was 15 years old in New York and was glued to the family TV set like everyone around here was to KHQA or WGEM. Our country was divided by war in southeast Asia and in the midst of a “cold war” with the Soviets who we were trying to beat the United States in the space race as well. So when Neil Armstrong said “Houston, the Eagle has landed”, it was like everyone on earth, including the Soviets, was equally as excited for the accomplishment regardless of race, religion or politics. Armstrong was an instant hero yet for the next 43 years he was basically a forgotten man until his death last week. Anyone under the age of 50 really didn’t get to experience the thrill of what took place in 1969. Those over 50 can look up at the moon and remember that historic day like it was yesterday. Think about what Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins did. They left this planet and went to the moon and returned safely. It still sends chills up and down my spine. Oh, the media gave some mention to Armstrong’s passing but not nearly enough as far as I am concerned. I did love what the family requested though. They asked , in lieu of flowers, to honor Neil Armstrong by looking up at the moon and wink in honor of one great American.
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