25 Aug 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
Michelle Meyer
Posted at 22:22h, 25 August“May the Road Rise to meet you May the Wind Be Always at your back. May the Sun shine & Rain fall Soft Upon Your face May God Hold You In the Palm of His Hand” In Christ’s Love to the Armstrong Team, Family & USA friends & supporters. Michelle Meyer
Neil Butler
Posted at 22:20h, 25 AugustAs a 7 year old growing up with the somewhat old-fashioned name Neil, I was thrilled to have this most significant step being undertaken by another Neil. It inspired me to study and teach science. Your work with Neil and Mike proves that no dream is unattainable. May he rest in peace.
Terry Adams
Posted at 22:19h, 25 AugustThanks Buzz.
I spent an hour talking to you in 1983 at the Long Beach grand prix. Imagine the impact you and Neil have had on so many millions. Both in space, and the times you have spent on earth with us.
Thanks for all accomplished.
You were and still are super men, and have lifted us all a little bit higher above the earth, and a littlb bit higher above ourselves.
Julie Nicholson
Posted at 22:15h, 25 AugustGoodbye Neil, go find those planets you always wanted to see, and when we come to join you, you can show them to us.
Howard Roberts
Posted at 22:08h, 25 AugustThe world is a little bit less bright today.
RIP Neil Armstrong.
Joe Houghtaling
Posted at 21:52h, 25 AugustI think this is the best picture of Neil Armstrong I’ve ever seen.
Grant Miller
Posted at 21:50h, 25 AugustMen such as these make a nation great and grateful. God Bless.
William Harwood
Posted at 21:40h, 25 AugustBuzz:
Very nicely said. Thank you.
Bill Harwood/CBS News
Tom Doyle
Posted at 21:27h, 25 AugustThank you Buzz, and Rest In Peace Neil Armstrong
Kim & Madison Hopkins
Posted at 21:25h, 25 AugustCol. Aldrin, on behalf of my late father Lt. Forrest A. Hopkins, USAF a B26 navagator in Korea my daughter and I wish to send you our heatfelt thanks on your service to our country on this eve of Neil Armstongs passing. After his service in the war my father had the honor of working with Col. Grissom before he lost his life in the service of our country. As a child of the 60’s I have tried to teach my daughter all I can about the space race. We actually did a project about you last year. She got an A. God speed Col. Aldrin, Love Madison, Nancy & Kim Hopkins
scott miller
Posted at 21:19h, 25 Augustbuzz, as a 12 yr old sitting by the tv that july 20th, i watched as you and neil did something that no one else at that time had done…. land and walk on the moon. it was the greatest achievment mankind had done to date, and the whole world was rivited to neil’s words as he steped off the LEM. both you and him gave this planet hope, opening the door to greater exploration, not only into space, but into ourselves as well. we are a species that will always explore, always ask questions . both you and neil have opened the eyes of future generations to explore the heavens. they say a journey starts with a sigle step, and neil is on his way to his next great adventure… R.I.P. NIEL, and safe journey….
J. Haase
Posted at 21:15h, 25 AugustThank you for leaving your own footprints in my and all of our hearts – our history, as Americans, and as Mankind will always be entwined with one another, and you and Neil have historically impacted us all. I am fortunate to have lived alongside some of you, Greats.
Ariel H. Chico
Posted at 21:13h, 25 AugustNeil Armstrong, along with Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, represent the best that America had to offer and they still are. We have lost a true hero, a brave public servant and good citizen, attributes that are sorely needed in today’s world.
Jim Pook
Posted at 21:05h, 25 AugustElegant words, Buzz. They brought a tear to my eye.
While Neil got the credit, we will always remember that he was part of a crew. Thank you.
Carol
Posted at 21:02h, 25 AugustMay you be comforted along with the other mourners. Neal Armstrong’s memory, and his pioneering spirit is a blessing for all of us.
Doug
Posted at 21:00h, 25 AugustI haven’t been the same since I heard the news. We love you all Buzz.
Stuart Lloyd BSc (Hons)
Posted at 20:58h, 25 AugustRIP Neil Armstrong, I am proud to share my birthday with a true hero, and also a man for all us left-handers to follow. It may have been ‘one small step’ for him, but history will remember his ‘giant leap for mankind’
We will never forget you.
Nate
Posted at 20:56h, 25 AugustBeautiful words…wish I could’ve witnessed the space race myself and even though I haven’t, I know my generation admires him with the utmost respect you have for him, Buzz.
Chris
Posted at 20:54h, 25 AugustThis is a nice article.. We’ll all miss Neil, but alas, the first of the Moon walkers will never be forgotten.
jeffrey
Posted at 20:53h, 25 AugustOne of my dreams is to become the first filipino astronaut and ofcourse you guys are my inspiration for that. I really wanted to see both of you in person but I guess it’s not gonna happen now that Neil is gone. May he rest in peace. -JeffreyTheFutureAstronaut
Robert Epstein
Posted at 20:52h, 25 AugustA True American Pioneer & Hero Who Knew The Road Home Was Not Certain But Went Anyway. Truly Boldly Going and Expanding Our Universe In Science & Mind.
David Sansenbach
Posted at 20:44h, 25 AugustI remember this day very well and I dont remember many days from my childhood. Well said Buzz, well said.
José G. Delgado
Posted at 20:44h, 25 AugustIr really has been a grieta loss for te world. Neil like you and Collins are icons of the most important era of the space race
Jay Groccia
Posted at 20:43h, 25 AugustI was eight years old and was completely obsessed with anything NASA at that age. I saved all the newspaper articles and even hung the mic from my brand new cassette recorder dangling over the channel knob in front of the speaker on the family TV to record the landing and the moon-walk. You guys were my heroes.
I got to go to KSS when John Glenn flew in the shuttle and visiting the Saturn V display was like a religious experience. I was overwhelmed at the size of that machine. A gazillion gallons of gasoline and LOX – what a kick in the pants that must have been.
I’m glad to have been alive during that amazing time in our history and grateful that the technology exists today that I can reach out to you in such a direct fashion.
Thank you for the great service you gave our nation.
There will always a special place in my heart for Neil, Michael, and you.
FYI: A little company at the end of my street made the LEM legs. When I moved to my town I walked in and asked them if this was true and this little old lady said, “Wait here, I have something for you”. She went out back and returned with a little box that contained a ceramic tile bearing a line drawing depicting LEM’s descent engine blasting away just mere feet from the surface. They company had them made to commemorate the the landing.
Jimmy
Posted at 20:43h, 25 AugustA great man who ventured forth onto the Moon has now traveled upward into eternal paradise.
Elias
Posted at 20:42h, 25 AugustIt would be a dream come true to have a picture of you autographed. Superman and Batman never were my heroes as a kid, my heroes have always been the Apollo 11 astronauts. What a sad day is today. Greetings from Pembroke Pines, Florida. Elias.
HENRY
Posted at 20:41h, 25 Augustsaludos desde Bogotá, Colombia, goodbye Neil
Jon Lancelot
Posted at 20:41h, 25 AugustThank you Buzz.
Allen White
Posted at 20:38h, 25 AugustWell stated Colonel Aldrin. You, Mr. Armstrong, and Mr. Collins are the true embodiment of heroism and American exceptionalism. Thank you for your bravery and your service. God speed to the great Neil Armstrong.
Anonymous
Posted at 20:38h, 25 AugustI’m really sad about the passing of Neil. He was an amazing guy and truly showed the world what we can do if we just believe in ourselves. Well, the entire Apollo 11 crew showed us that and so did the other Apollo missions. Neil may not be with us anymore, but he is still with us in our hearts, souls, memories, and spirit. He will never be forgotten.
Darren Vernede
Posted at 20:37h, 25 AugustGod speed to the now timeless soul of Neil Armstrong now going on to his last mission to the heavens. May he rest in peace and his memory live on forever in our hearts as the great pioneer he was. My condolences and thoughts are with his family. I hope his legacy will indeed move us to Mars and beyond in my lifetime.
mikenco
Posted at 20:37h, 25 AugustA true icon of our time leaves us.
Mike
Posted at 20:34h, 25 AugustSuch heartfelt words. Now he is always in the heavens.
Martin MacPhee
Posted at 20:33h, 25 AugustLike so many others around the World, I too took that journey with the crew of Apollo 11. I was a young boy, but the adventure, the courage and skill of the Crew, and the scientific and engineering achievements captivated me and inspired me to seek out what lay beyond my own horizons.
The loss of this great and inspiring man will be felt in my heart forever, as it will in the hearts of everyone who like up at the sky and wonders, and wishes, and is emboldened to achieve their dreams.
My thoughts go out to his Family, his colleagues and Friends who have had the good fortune to share in his journey. He will never be forgotten.
And yes, I did wink at the Moon tonight, with a tear in my eye.
Larry Rice
Posted at 20:32h, 25 AugustAs a 12 year old I watched in awe as you and Neil walked on the moon and waved at you when you three were on Broadway in the Ticker Tape parade! As an adult, I had the privilege of meeting Neil and you in Seattle, on separate occasions. I also had the privilege of introducing you at an event in Albuquerque when I was with KOB-TV. You surprised everyone when you said I AM Buzz Lightyear!. I treasure the photo of you posing with my children. You – Neil and the other astronauts are my heros, and my dream was to be the next Jules Bergman, reporting on America’s space stories! My deepest condolences on the loss of your friend, a great pilot and one hell of a fine gentleman!
Larry Rice
KOMO NewsRadio
Seattle
Sue Wilden
Posted at 20:32h, 25 AugustRest in peace, Neil.
Guillermo Abramson
Posted at 20:31h, 25 AugustThanks for your words, Buzz. And thank you, Mike and Neil for your inspiration and courage.
steve curwen
Posted at 20:31h, 25 AugustMy heart felt sadness at the passing of one of mankinds true heroes.
Chris Grant
Posted at 20:30h, 25 AugustFour decades ago the civilised world stood still, as one, in wonder at the heroic achievement. Mankinds first footsteps on an alien world. What a pity, indeed a tragedy, that manned exploration of the Moon and beyond has stalled.
Vale Neil Armstrong. A quiet, humble human being who achieved much. One small step …….
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Posted at 20:30h, 25 August[…] Buzz Aldrin Also […]
Luisa Domínguez
Posted at 20:30h, 25 AugustI agree with you. He is a hero for a lot of children around the world including me. It is a sad day.
Matt Orley
Posted at 20:26h, 25 AugustChildren will read his name in history for 2000 years.
Keith England
Posted at 20:26h, 25 AugustBuzz, I had the pleasure of singing at The Joint in Los Angeles last week while you were there. Although I didn’t get a chance to say hello, it was truly a thrill to simply be in the same room with you. My deepest condolences on the loss of your friend and fellow American hero.
Best regards,
Keith England
(I sang the Creedence song)…
Mark Zaugg
Posted at 20:24h, 25 AugustLove and respect to you and to Neil.
You’ve both formed part of my very core, the part that longs to reach ever skyward and capture a little stardust from another world. Thank you always for making this world a better place.
– Mark
Jim Hantsch
Posted at 19:57h, 25 AugustWell said, Buzz!
America wishes the Armstrong family our condolences. Neil will always be with us when looking at the moon! God Speed Neil Armstrong, American Hero!!!
Hani
Posted at 19:46h, 25 AugustDear Mr Buzz Aldrin
I’m not an American and i’m from a country that used to be a friend of your country but they are not friends today. I’m from IRAN , i just wanted to let you know you and Mr Neil Armstrong and Mike Collins were my childhood heroes , and i started astronomy by inspiration of you and i do believe you went to the moon.
James
Posted at 19:31h, 25 AugustMr. Aldrin, Thank you for the kind words regarding the passing of your friend and and one of my heroes. The world needs capable and dedicated men and women that dare to do the hard work that such great endeavors as You and Mr. Armstrong participated in, and achieved. The Apollo 11 crew was a wonderful example of those great qualities we so desperately need now. I am sorry for your loss. May God assuage you in your grief and replace it with wonderful memories of your unique relationship with your shipmate Armstrong. Peace!
Anonymous
Posted at 19:19h, 25 Augusthe belongs to the sky
Harold Brown
Posted at 18:23h, 25 AugustToday is a very sad day. I have always thought of the Apollo 11 crew as they were all those years ago. I was 16 when we landed on the moon, and I remember watching the landing with my family. Neil was an incredible human being and someone to be proud of. A true American hero. I wish the space program was as it once was. Perhaps some day, but today we remember Neil and what man can accomplish once our minds are made up! Rest in peace Neil.
Jerry Denton
Posted at 18:18h, 25 AugustMy main regret is that you and Neil Armstrong were not allowed to step onto the moom simultaneously. What a glorious time in our history
Jerry Denton (83)