There seems no better time to talk about Neil Armstrong than the letter ‘N’ cropping up in things that have influenced my life.
Yesterday humankind lost one of the greatest pioneers for exploration and adventure ever to live on our pale blue dot. He was what has been described as “a reluctant American hero” after his part as Commander on the Apollo 11 mission whose Apollo Eagle lunar module touched down on July 20th 1969. Neil Armstrong made history with one simple phrase, and his name will still be taught in hundreds of years to come as the first man to step on the moon. Not many people die with that kind of influence.
I grew up dreaming of one day travelling into space, experiencing zero gravity, and stepping onto the moon for myself. Neil Armstrong was a symbol of awe, envy and admiration for me; he had done what I always wished I could.
I could gush on about his achievements and his influence all day, but I think the statement released from his family says it best; “For those who may ask what they can do to honour Neil, we have a simple request. Honour 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.”
Time In Space: 8 days, 14 hours, 12 minutes and 31 seconds.
RIP Neil. Godspeed.
Thoughts, musings, and ramblings... 