A Historic Milestone Remembered
On the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, legendary astronaut Edwin Eugene “Buzz” Aldrin Jr. shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the momentous occasion when the lunar module Eagle touched down at Tranquility Base. At 95 years old, Aldrin recalls the historic event in which he and Neil Armstrong became the first humans to walk on the Moon, while Michael Collins remained in orbit aboard the command module.
“July 20, 1969. ‘Contact light, engine stop.’ The Apollo 11 lunar module Eagle touched down at Tranquility Base on the Moon. A few hours later, Neil Armstrong and I stepped foot on the Moon, with Michael Collins orbiting close-by,” Aldrin wrote in a post. His words capture the awe and significance of that unforgettable day.
Aldrin emphasized that this monumental achievement was the result of years of relentless effort, unwavering dedication, and the teamwork of hundreds of thousands of individuals. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and perseverance in reaching such an extraordinary goal.
President Kennedy’s Vision
Aldrin also invoked President John F. Kennedy’s powerful challenge to reach the Moon, bringing to life the words that inspired the nation. “We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win, and the others too,” Aldrin quoted from Kennedy’s speech at Rice University in September 1962.
This speech, delivered to inspire national unity and ambition, set the stage for achieving the decade’s most audacious goal. Kennedy concluded his address with a vision of exploration and discovery: “Well, space is there, and we’re going to climb it, and the Moon and the planets are there, and new hopes for knowledge and peace are there. And, therefore, as we set sail we ask God’s blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked.”
A Message of Gratitude and Pride
Aldrin closed his message with a sense of pride and gratitude, honoring all who contributed to the mission and extending blessings to the United States and all of humanity. “I couldn’t be prouder to have completed this mission with the hundreds of thousands of people that helped get us to the moon and back home. God bless the USA and all of humankind,” he wrote.
In addition to the historical significance of the mission, Aldrin shared a personal moment of connection. He mentioned that Pope Leo XIV spoke with him and his wife, expressing how special the moment was. “Anca and I were grateful and touched to receive the highest blessing today, from His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV on the 56th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing,” Aldrin wrote. “What an honor! We prayed for good health, long life, and prosperity for all humankind.”
The Legacy of Apollo 11
The Apollo 11 mission marked the first time humans landed on Earth’s satellite, fulfilling a dream that has existed since the dawn of human curiosity. Armstrong was the first astronaut to step onto the lunar surface at 9:56 p.m. ET on July 20, 1969, followed 19 minutes later by Aldrin. Today, Aldrin is the only surviving member of the Apollo 11 crew.
His reflections on the 56th anniversary serve as a reminder of the power of human ingenuity, the importance of teamwork, and the enduring spirit of exploration that continues to drive progress. As the world looks toward future missions to the Moon and beyond, Aldrin’s message remains a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
