Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon. July 1969 AD. We came in peace for all mankind. – Neil Armstrong
The past couple of weeks I have been reminiscing in my mind about the summer of 1969. Eight-year-old me was fascinated with the Apollo 11 journey to the moon. I watched the landing on our black and white television in awe that Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin were soon going to be landing on the moon! I remember thinking that it took 4-days to get to something I could easily see. It’s funny how looking back at that time, I see the beginnings of a child that was fascinated with science. I loved that the moon could look so close to us, but it was so very far away! It was also the start of my love of Star Trek…and that love continued for years. Apollo 11 went “where no man had gone before” and my life was certainly richer because they did.
I found this Moonwalk Montage video on the NASA website and watching it brought the same thrill today as it did when I was eight! (if you want to watch the restored, full-length version you will find it here!)
Some years later, I was in Washington D.C. and I saw the Space Window at the National Cathedral, it filled me with awe and wonder that I was seeing a piece of the moon those brave men had brought back.
In these days when travel to the simplest of places seems impossible, it is a very good thing to remember and celebrate this incredible journey.
Finally, it would be remiss of me to not mention the passing of John Lewis. He might have been a man of small stature, but he possessed the drive of the mightiest of men! Though he is no longer here to inspire us, he has given us our marching orders: “I want to see young people in America feel the spirit of the 1960s and find a way to get in the way. To find a way to get in trouble. Good trouble, necessary trouble.” We must not let him down and find some good trouble! May you rest in power, dear sir.
Photo by Bruno Scramgnon from Pexels
Thank you for reminding me about that wonderful time! I was an enthralled 12-year-old watching on a black and white tv. You’re right, when a trip to the grocery store feels a bit like a moon mission, it’s good to celebrate this astronomic achievement.
This is the time and year to get ‘into trouble, good trouble, necessary trouble!’ Words I plan to say to myself daily! John Lewis an American Saint!
I think EVERYBODY watched the moon landing. So fascinating (still)!
I was at my grandma’s cottage when they landed on the moon. I remember jumping around pretending to be an astronaut!
I remember this well, I was a teenager, ready to begin 10th grade in September. I remember watching this with my family. A few weeks later the Woodstock Festival was held about a 30 minute drive from my home, I did NOT attend, but listened attentively to the radio and to stories from my older cousin and his friends who drove up to check it out. That was quite a summer!
I had just turned 5, and it was on my 2 year old brother’s birthday. We went to my aunt and uncle’s house to watch the moon landing, because they had a new-fangled COLOR tv. I was awestruck. ????
It was a fascinating time to be able to see , ON TV, man walk on the moon! I do remember hearing alot of squelch noise and the screen being flippy and fuzzy, but still!!!!!
We saw the Neo Comet last night for probably the last time. The funny thing was we drove a half hour and then saw it. Came home and saw it from our own driveway! Hahahaha.
What a memory to have! I love reading all of the comments on this post.
I’m also saddened by the death of Rep John Lewis. We have our flag lowered in his honor. What a loss for our country! I’m heartened to see so many new leaders stepping up to keep us moving forward!
Enjoy your week, Kat!
I wasn’t yet born for the moon landing, but it amazes me to think about how we got there with the limited technology we had then and how far we’ve come since. It’s truly incredible.
I was so sad when I heard John Lewis had died; he was one of my personal heroes. I can only hope that we are spurred by his memory to keep making good trouble and make this country better for all.
My Little Buddy did a report about Neil Armstrong for school and since it was online it had loads of photos and videos, it was really wonderful to see those amazing shots. Stay safe.
Well, I am older than most. I watched the moon landing at home with my Mom the summer between high school and college. My Mom was enthralled with the space program. My sibs must have been around too but it’s a precious memory of time spent with my Mom, a life long learner, interested and curious about so much of life.
Beautiful post Kat. xo