Buzz Aldrin’s Official Statement on the Passing of Neil Armstrong

Buzz Aldrin’s Official Statement on the Passing of Neil Armstrong

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



475 Comments
  • Pingback:President Obama, Apollo 11 Crewmates, Pay Tribute to Neil Armstrong –
    Posted at 06:42h, 20 July

    […] a formal statement in addition to a number of tweets yesterday (@TheRealBuzz).   His formal statement is as […]

  • Eduardo Carvalho
    Posted at 04:01h, 26 May

    I was 5 on July 20, 1969. Did not see the “small step…” live.
    But for sure Neil will be in everybody mind when we step on next celestial body.

  • Juegos multijugador
    Posted at 15:52h, 29 July

    Gracias a los avances de la tecnología y la ciencia, cada vez estamos más cerca de conquistar no solo la luna, sino también otros planetas. Algo que será beneficioso para la humanidad. Con respecto a la llegada del hombre, y pese a los rumores sobre la veracidad, creo que fue un hito único en la historia de la humanidad.

  • Esther Smith
    Posted at 19:56h, 21 July

    Everybody Love them !

  • Esther Smith
    Posted at 19:55h, 21 July

    Unforgettable !

  • Esther Smith
    Posted at 19:54h, 21 July

    Always admired them. Great courage to take that trip. They live in every heart. Thank God for the Science !

  • arnold scholte
    Posted at 15:02h, 14 March

    In 1969 i was a small boy 6 years old.
    On a black and white Duth TV we saw you guys doing your most tremendous, beautiful en heroic job.
    I remember that often. You’re my heroes for ever !

  • Malcolm McNutt
    Posted at 17:11h, 25 June

    Being allowed to attend course work by Neil Armstrong at the University of Cincinnati is the highlight of my life. Such understanding and the best role model. Tried to follow in Naval aviation and later engineering. Such endeavors tough me how great your sussesses really are. His passing was the second sadeest day of my life.

  • Richard E. Rogers
    Posted at 10:13h, 19 July

    Neil seemed a fine man in what he did with that first step now things depend on the rest of mankind in how far we go. We can have peace if we want it. Neil set the bar high. It’s up to us to make it count. I would have liked to have met Neil Buzz and Mike and the others but my road didn’t take me there. Honored to write this.

  • Jonathan
    Posted at 20:37h, 27 February

    Just found out my space hero, has already passed away. It is strange how someone who did something so big is gone. Now he is with God.

  • Georges OGER
    Posted at 14:46h, 12 February

    Sir,
    Congratulation for your moving statement
    I was 10 years old when Neil and you walked on the moon.
    45 years after this, each time I am looking at the moon in the sky, I am thinking about the Apollo missions, the challenges you faced, the legendary calm with wich Neil landed the Lunar Module manually nearly running out of gas.
    I still admire the idea that for each mission set on the moon, all the astronauts returned safely
    I recently read an article about your camera: despite the fact there was no viewfinder and every picture was took manually, you took beautiful pictures.
    45 years after, nobody did it again: NASA set the bar very high.
    it seems we reach a peak at that time that nobody can challenge again anymore.
    May the achievement of Neil Armstrong and unhappy fallen astronaut (including russian comrades) to be considered as an example of courage for all future generations.
    Best Regards
    Georges OGER, France

  • Serbie Michel
    Posted at 03:28h, 06 February

    J’ai eu l’occasion de filmer Monsieur Buzz Aldrin lors de sa venue à l’Université de Strasbourg en 1989. je dispose de ces documents et malgré les années passées ces documents sont d’une excellente qualité. L’interwiev dure 120 minutes y compris sa conférence.Si cela intéresse je peut les mettre à disposition

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    Posted at 14:34h, 14 January

    […] up, Armstrong’s fellow moonwalker, Buzz Aldrin, who sounds to me like he’s genuinely hurting right […]

  • Pingback:Put Whitey Back on the Moon | LEIGH PHILLIPS
    Posted at 20:56h, 05 January

    […] regret can found in the words of the second man on the moon, Buzz Aldrin, on the passing of his friend: “I had truly hoped […]

  • Kenneth
    Posted at 10:15h, 14 October

    I agree with Mark Evans; Aldrin is a genius and there could of been co better co-pilot on this mission.

  • george alsort
    Posted at 09:55h, 02 October

    I am very sorry for we are doing neil armstrong in class. By the way I go to st collum kills.

  • Joseph B. Jackson
    Posted at 20:08h, 10 September

    Buzz, you are truly a great American.

  • Pingback:NEIL ARMSTRONGRS's Medical World | RS's Medical World
    Posted at 08:23h, 07 June

    […] ^ “Buzz Aldrin’s Official Statement on the Passing of Neil Armstrong”. August 25, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2012. […]

  • Adam Shepard
    Posted at 15:47h, 24 March

    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.

  • Dana Luterick
    Posted at 19:38h, 11 March

    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”

  • Mark Maier
    Posted at 18:43h, 06 March

    I feel like I`m about to cry.

  • Mr.Joan Dalmau Juscafresa
    Posted at 10:56h, 05 February

    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.

  • Demetria Lopez
    Posted at 16:32h, 04 February

    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

  • Geoff Williams Commercial Pilot Australia
    Posted at 05:27h, 03 February

    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!

  • James Francis
    Posted at 07:18h, 18 November

    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.

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