Buzz Aldrin’s Official Statement on the Passing of Neil Armstrong
- Aug 25, 2012
- BuzzAldrin.com
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend, and space exploration companion, Neil Armstrong today. As Neil, Mike Collins and I trained together for our historic Apollo 11 Mission, we understood the many technical challenges we faced, as well as the importance and profound implications of this historic journey. We will now always be connected as the crew of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, yet for the many millions who witnessed that remarkable achievement for humankind, we were not alone.
Whenever I look at the moon I am reminded of that precious moment, over four decades ago, when Neil and I stood on the desolate, barren, yet beautiful, Sea of Tranquility, looking back at our brilliant blue planet Earth suspended in the darkness of space, I realized that even though we were farther away from earth than two humans had ever been, we were not alone. Virtually the entire world took that memorable journey with us. I know I am joined by many millions of others from around the world in mourning the passing of a true American hero and the best pilot I ever knew. My friend Neil took the small step but giant leap that changed the world and will forever be remembered as a historic moment in human history.
I had truly hoped that on July 20th, 2019, Neil, Mike and I would be standing together to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of our moon landing, as we also anticipated the continued expansion of humanity into space, that our small mission helped make possible. Regrettably, this is not to be. Neil will most certainly be there with us in spirit.
On behalf of the Aldrin family, we extend our deepest condolences to Carol and the entire Armstrong family. I will miss my friend Neil as I know our fellow citizens and people around world will miss this foremost aviation and space pioneer.
May he Rest in Peace, and may his vision for our human destiny in space be his legacy.
BUZZ ALDRIN
Sorry to hear him pass on but he will be missed. I wished I could’ve met him. I saw the walk on the moon, followed the flight closely as most of the Apollos. I will always remember him–but I will also remember “Buzz Aldrin” as a favorite too; a genius and couldn’t pick a better man allongside Neil to walk on the moon.
Even my 3 year old son, Nik, nows about the story of Appollo 11. Whenever you ask him “Nik, who was the first human on the Moon”, he answers: “Nils Armstrong”.
“Yes, but it was ‘Neil’ !”.
“But Buzz was the guy just in his back” he replies,
and further: “And Michael flown the can”.
He is 3, and its more then 40 years ago. That shows the marvelousness weight of was you three did.
With due respect and great admiration.
Frankfurt, Germany
Buzz, you, Neil, and Mike have always been my heroes. I was 22 years old and in the Navy stationed in Sanford Florida on that morning seeing you guys lift off. At night on a full moon I can stare at and try to imagine what it was like for you and Neil. Being an Engineer myself it still boggles my mind to think of all the systems that had to work at the precise time. Other than Jesus coming to earth, Apollo 11 is the greatest achievement in all mankind and will be for generations. I had hoped to meet you guys at sometime, and Neil is truly missed. I long for America to go into space again. God bless Buzz.
Niel and Nasa achievements show us how we can achieve anyting for mankind, for me I was a young boy and he help inspired me to achieve my goal to become a commerical pilot. Everytime I look up at the moom I think of the day that captured the worlds imagination and how we can achieve anyting if we set our minds to it!
Thank you for your kind words, Buzz. We’ll surely miss such a great man! I’ll always be amazed & fascinated by his wonderful achievements alongside you and Mike, as well as his humble & gracious disposition.
He was certainly one of a kind.
God Bless.x
Thanks Mr. Aldrin for his contribution to let us know the enigmatic universe.De small television could see his achievement and I can never olvidarlo.Mucha health for you and your family and if you ever want to holiday in the Costa Brava in Catalonia has my humble home.Sorry for the english translation.
I feel like I`m about to cry.
As we look to Mars for the next human landing around 2030 Neil will be with us as we set foot on Mars.
Neil always said ” I was just lucky to be the first man”
I remember I was doing work outside of my house when I overheard the news over a neighbor’s radio. It was and is a strange feeling knowing that he’s gone especially since I had recently finished the only biography authorized by Neil. Neil was a remarkable man, as were and are all of the astronaughts from Mercury to Apollo. May he rest in peace.