Welcome to 2UE. Skip directly to: Search Box, Section Navigation, Content.

2UE - Fairfax Radio Network

Friday May 24, 2013

What we're talking about

Tributes flow for Neil Armstrong

Posted by: David Prior | 26 August, 2012 - 7:55 AM
Tributes are flowing for the late Neil Armstong

US astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first person to set foot on the moon, has died. Tributes are flowing around the world for the "reluctant American hero", the commander of the Apollo 11 mission.


Stay up to date on breaking news with 2UE on Twitter  

The family of Neil Armstrong, who's died aged 82 following complications from cardiovascular surgery, are mourning the loss of the famed US astronaut but hope his life is an example to young people to work hard to achieve their dreams.

Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, underwent cardiac bypass surgery earlier this month after doctors found blockages in his coronary arteries.

His family have released a statement praising him as a "reluctant American hero", noting that the space pioneer had served his nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut.

Armstrong and fellow Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon on July 20, 1969, before the eyes of hundreds of millions of awed television viewers worldwide.

His first words upon stepping on the lunar surface have since been etched in history: "That's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind."

An estimated 600 million people watched the grainy black and white broadcast that showed Armstrong, clad in a white space suit, climb down the lunar module's ladder on to the Moon's desolate surface.

Image

 

On the 30th anniversary of the achievement he made a rare public appearance:

 

Image

 

Quotes about Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, who died at age 82:

- "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." - Armstrong's family, announcing his death in a written statement.

- "Neil was among the greatest of American heroes - not just of his time, but of all time. When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation. They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable - that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. 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." - President Barack Obama.

- "When I think of Neil, I think of someone who for our country was dedicated enough to dare greatly." - John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth and Armstrong's close friend.

- "He was the best, and I will miss him terribly." - Michael Collins, who flew to the moon with Armstrong and served as the command module pilot.

- "On behalf of the Aldrin family we extend our deepest condolences to Carol & the entire Armstrong family on Neil's passing. He will be missed." - Buzz Aldrin, second man on the moon, via Twitter.

- "RIP Neil Armstrong. Thank you for everything, for your sacrifices, achievements, and inspiration. We will try to carry on your legacy." - Bobak Ferdowsi, flight director on the current Mars Curiosity mission.

Image

 

Blog comments Your Say

  • I salute you Neil Armstrong and will wink at the Moon.

    David T. Sunday 26 August, 2012 - 5:50 PM

Post a comment * Mandatory fields