Posted on Mon Aug 27 2012
An image obtained from NASA shows Neil Armstrong during preparations for
their journey to the moon. Armstrong commanded the Apollo 11 spacecraft
in July 20, 1969, a mission watched by more than 500 million television
viewers. PHOTO BY AFP
In Summary
Death beckons. Neil Armstrong, who was considered
the first man on the moon, having led a NASA team there, died on
Saturday at 82 years.
President Barack Obama and astronaut Buzz Aldrin have
led tributes to the famed Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong, the first
man on the moon, lauding him as a reluctant but true American hero.
Armstrong, who died from complications following
cardiac bypass surgery on Saturday, was praised for his willingness to
embrace and then conquer challenges that had once seemed impossible.
“When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation,” said Obama, who was two weeks short of his eighth birthday when the historic mission succeeded.
“When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation,” said Obama, who was two weeks short of his eighth birthday when the historic mission succeeded.
“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,” he added in a statement.
“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.”
“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.”
Paying tribute
Aldrin, who with Armstrong was watched by an estimated global television audience of 500 million as they gingerly bounced on the moon’s surface in their chunky spacesuits, praised his comrade’s skill, dedication and selflessness.
Aldrin, who with Armstrong was watched by an estimated global television audience of 500 million as they gingerly bounced on the moon’s surface in their chunky spacesuits, praised his comrade’s skill, dedication and selflessness.
“I know I am joined by millions of others in
mourning the passing of a true American hero and the best pilot I ever
knew,” Aldrin said, noting that his thoughts were with Armstrong’s
devastated but proud family.
The third Apollo 11 astronaut, Michael Collins, the
command module pilot who orbited the moon while his crewmates landed,
said Armstrong “was the best, and I will miss him.”
Armstrong, a Korean War veteran who was decorated by 17
countries and received a slew of US honors, was never comfortable with
the worldwide fame that stemmed from the Apollo 11 mission, and he shied
away from the limelight.
“He didn’t feel that he should be out huckstering
himself,” John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth told CNN,
recalling Armstrong’s legendary humility.
“He was a humble person, and that’s the way he
remained after his lunar flight, as well as before,” the former Ohio
senator added.
Obama’s Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, said
the space pioneer was an inspiration who now “takes his place in the
hall of heroes.”
“With courage unmeasured and unbounded love for his
country, he walked where man had never walked before,” said Romney, who
spoke with Armstrong just a few weeks ago. “The moon will miss its
first son of Earth.”
Republican House Speaker John Boehner said: “A true hero has returned to the heavens to which he once flew.”
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