One Small Step

[puppetmaker]

I remember where I was on 10:56pm on July 20, 1969. I was with a bunch of other kids, scientists and spouses watching as Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon. I was 5 years old but I remember the excitement among the adults and the cheer that went up when he stepped onto the moon.

I remember years later touring the Kennedy Space Center a couple of years later and being in awe of how big those Saturn rockets were.

I wanted to be an astronaut at that time. That dream died rather early because heights and I do not get along at all. But I admired all those scientists and astronauts that did make space travel possible. Back in 1969 the astronauts were bigger than rock stars to us kids. It was the ultimate job.

This event shaped a lot of things in my life and I can’t believe that it was 40 years ago.

So I salute everyone who made this and other missions possible.

I am grateful that I saw Neil Armstrong step onto the Moon.

Comments

[readinggeek451]

We didn't own a TV yet*, so we borrowed one from the family down the street who had two. My parents insisted we all watch. I'm very, very glad now that they did, but at the time, I was more excited about being allowed to stay up late then by the event itself. I was 6; J would have been not quite 4, so I'm not sure what she remembers. But I do!

*We bought one sometime in the next year, because the moon landing persuaded my parents that there were in fact a few things worth watching.