When my wife told me this afternoon that Neil Armstrong had died, I was deeply saddened. I admired Neil Armstrong. His coolness under intense, even life-threatening pressure (Gemini VIII). His brilliant engineering mind and second-to-none piloting skills. But most of all his humility. His unwillingness to cash in on well-earned fame. He knew, he understood that he and Buzz Aldrin were just the most visible members of the Apollo program (to put people on the Moon). That thousands of engineers and other workers, who would never receive fame, made Apollo 11 happen. He knew he was part of something far bigger than he -- and never failed to give credit to others.
I only saw him once, at a college graduation at the College of Mount St. Joseph where I am on the faculty. He was the graduation speaker. I recall that from my seat I kept looking at his feet trying to remember which one was the first on the Moon, left or right? His talk to the graduating class was unassuming. No lasting memories of his words that day. But his presence I will never forget.
America, the world, is fortunate to have brave space pioneers. Today Curiosity is on Mars. In all likelihood somewhere on this planet on this day there is someone who walks, or crawls, whose name will be remembered like Neil Armstrong. She or he will be the first person to walk on Mars. It will be an incredible moment for our species, one reminiscent of July 20, 1969.
The planet feels a little different to me tonight. I've lost a hero. I mourn his passing. How fortunate were those who could call him friend. How fortunate the rest of us for his gifts to humanity. One small step -- with his left foot.
Image: Copyright 2011 John A. Ballard. This is an image of the sculpture of Neil Armstrong on the campus of Purdue University. I have digitally altered the color.
I only saw him once, at a college graduation at the College of Mount St. Joseph where I am on the faculty. He was the graduation speaker. I recall that from my seat I kept looking at his feet trying to remember which one was the first on the Moon, left or right? His talk to the graduating class was unassuming. No lasting memories of his words that day. But his presence I will never forget.
America, the world, is fortunate to have brave space pioneers. Today Curiosity is on Mars. In all likelihood somewhere on this planet on this day there is someone who walks, or crawls, whose name will be remembered like Neil Armstrong. She or he will be the first person to walk on Mars. It will be an incredible moment for our species, one reminiscent of July 20, 1969.
The planet feels a little different to me tonight. I've lost a hero. I mourn his passing. How fortunate were those who could call him friend. How fortunate the rest of us for his gifts to humanity. One small step -- with his left foot.
Image: Copyright 2011 John A. Ballard. This is an image of the sculpture of Neil Armstrong on the campus of Purdue University. I have digitally altered the color.
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