Neil Armstrong, First Man on the Moon, Passes at the Age of 82

Written by Dabney B. on Tuesday, August 28th, 2012

Last week may have been a time for celebration, but this week starts off with mourning. Just this Saturday, aviation legend Neil Armstrong passed away at the age of 82. For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past 50 years, Neil Armstrong commanded the Apollo 11 mission that put a man on the moon. It was Armstrong who famously said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” (even though he was ever-so-slightly misquoted).

You can find more about Armstrong on one of my earlier articles, though today’s piece will focus a bit more on the life and the legacy of this true American hero.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Armstrong’s name is one that will forever be immortalized, joining the ranks of other legends like Napoleon, Joan of Arc, and Charles Darwin. NASA administrator Charles Bolden said, “As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them. 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.”

 

Americans everywhere — including President Obama, himself — have been forced to take a moment out of their busy weeks to honor buy generic diazepam Armstrong. The President said, “Neil was among the greatest of American heroes… 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.”

Remembering a Legend

Armstrong’s family reported that he passed away as a result of complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures. His family has scheduled a service this Friday — not much is known about the event except that it is expected to be a small, private gathering of friends and family.

Others are finding their own ways to pay their respects. The Museum of Natural History & Science of the Cincinnati Museum Center has announced that they will offer free admission through Labor Day so that visitors can see their space exhibit, which includes a real moon rock and replicas of Armstrong’s Apollo 11 space suit. The Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio (Armstrong’s birthplace) will honor Armstrong tomorrow with a tribute called “Wink at the Moon.”

 

So, what can you do to show your appreciation for this great man? Armstrong’s family explained that it’s really quite simple: “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.”

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