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
Sheree Kearns
Posted at 08:50h, 26 AugustI remember when Neil stepped away from the ladder of the lunar lander, July 20th, 1969. That one step changed my life forever. I decided I would pursue a degree in science so I could walk on the Moon someday. One’s life journey often has its twists and turns. Today I am a director of a Challenger Learning Center for Space Science Education. I like Christa McAuliffe touch the future everyday…I teach. I inspire the next generation of Moon walkers. Thank you Mr. Armstrong. Good bless you as now you are an astronaut among the cosmos. Ad Astra!
Oberdan
Posted at 08:48h, 26 AugustEssa é a sua última viagem Neil Amstrong. Descanse em paz.
Dr Sujay Shad
Posted at 08:33h, 26 AugustI was all but 5 that historic year. News filtered to us in India over time and I was sad that the moon (every ‘child’s uncle’ in India’ with its face and rest) was made only of rocks.
However, science unfolded rapidly to us young students with the space exploration. None would have been possible without your famous mission. God bless Neil Armstrong, he couldn’t have better friends. God bless you.
Andreas Lambert
Posted at 08:28h, 26 AugustMy hero – rest in peace.
Ad astra!
Larry
Posted at 08:23h, 26 AugustBuzz..I remember every detail of that glorious day. I was 12 years old. I remember when the words “Tranquility base here, the Eagle has landed” crackled thru the tv speaker, my mother began reciting the lords prayer for you and Neil, and Mike. We all sat transfixed, marveling at the age which we were fortunate enough to live in. As a naive youngster I assumed this meant that our country would forge ahead at that same pace and I would be able to visit a lunar resort as an adult.
I have a tremendous respect for all the astronauts past and present, but the group from the Mercury 7, thru the Gemini and Apollo programs, truly inspired an entire generation of kids, and instilled a fierce pride and determination in so many. For that I thank you all. For Neil’s family and friends I send my heartfelt condolences and prayers, and for all humanity I mourn the loss of a true explorer and gentleman. Rest in peace Neil. Thank you for more then I can put into words.
Alex
Posted at 08:23h, 26 AugustThank you Neil for your heart, your courage, your inspiration. May your gentle soul enlighten the right path to the stars, for all the men of good will on this earth.
(Alex, from Rome, Italy)
Cheng Ming Kei(from Hong Kong)
Posted at 08:22h, 26 AugustRest in Peace! Mr. Armstrong
Barria Cristian
Posted at 08:16h, 26 AugustThanks Neil, thanks Buzz, (Argentina)…
William Spendlove
Posted at 08:10h, 26 AugustNeil will never be forgotten and his memory will flare brightly every time a soul stares up at the moon. Thanks for your contributions to space exploration Neil, we’re already missing you.
Oliver
Posted at 08:07h, 26 AugustHe will be missed #ripneil
Frances
Posted at 08:06h, 26 AugustRest in peace you great man, you have joined the stars!
Alberto B.B. (Italy)
Posted at 07:58h, 26 AugustSorry….you will be not forgotten…..(excuse my english)
Robert Dubreuil
Posted at 07:56h, 26 AugustI am truly sadden by the sudden lost of Neil Armstrong ,
I was only five when you and neil walked on the moon.
I have loved everything about space since I was a liitle kid and still do today .
My oldest son who is twelve is named Neil after my space hero . Neil Armstrong’s legend will live on and not be forgotten every time I and people around the world look up at the moon.
I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Armstrong family.
Robert Dubreuil Calgary , Alberta , Canada
Sean Pattern
Posted at 07:44h, 26 AugustBuzz, what lovely words about your friend. The both of you are True Legends and real Hero’s. Both of your feats that day will live on for eternity.
John Gonyea
Posted at 07:30h, 26 AugustAs I have been spending the last 2 days reading everything about me Niel Armstrong I listen to a few interviews, one was shortly after getting back from the moon, as I listened I Realized what a work of art he was At Verbal communication, Has to be 1 of the most articulate people I have ever listen to
Notarksi
Posted at 07:23h, 26 AugustNeil goes first, again.
bill tansley
Posted at 06:19h, 26 AugustNo words to add to your eulogy. My dad let me stay up to watch history being made even though I really didn’t understand the true significance of the mission. I do now! and despite Neil Armstrong taking another small step, his immortality is assured.
Neil Lewis
Posted at 06:16h, 26 AugustA sad day indeed, humankind needs more of your ilk, respects to his family.
Peter Hayes
Posted at 06:14h, 26 AugustBuzz, wonderful words for a true hero. I watched your adventure as a 11 year old and it has lived with me ever since. Thank you for the courage you showed and the inspiration you offered the world. Rest in peace Neil.
Peter
Terry Riley
Posted at 06:12h, 26 AugustRespect to you Mr. Aldrin and Mr. Collins and sympathy to the Armstrong family.
You are a part of my history.
jodi ballard
Posted at 06:01h, 26 AugustThanks for the wonderful words about your friend Neil. Although many did not know him personally we are still praying for his family. He will be missed by all. Bless you and your family as well. I am praying for you and your family as well.
Gareth Robinson
Posted at 05:58h, 26 AugustBeautiful words well put Buzz. A fitting paragraph for a man who’s life could not possibly fit into any words. Rest in Peace Neil and Godspeed on your final journey to the Heavens.
Alberto B.B. (Italy)
Posted at 05:52h, 26 AugustI was a 9 years old child in 1969 and You, Neil and Mike were my heroes. Thank you for the beautiful words you wrote about Neil and about your wonderful mission.
I will never forget you and, be sure, you were not forgotten by the whole people in history. Thank you again from Italy.
Chris
Posted at 05:42h, 26 AugustAmen, Buzz. Best way to honor his legacy is to push the envelope and get back into space!
Paul Dickerson
Posted at 05:41h, 26 AugustAnother star burns brighter in the night sky R.I.P. Neil Armstrong the true king of the moonwalk.
Dan
Posted at 05:41h, 26 AugustDear Buzz,
America embraces American Idol contestants, along with the cast of the Jersey Shore, but guys like you and Neil that went to the moon, we question the validity of till we are blue in the face. You were a big hero of mine growing up, my dad was a Marine, and I really liked when you punched that little conspiracy theorist in face when he called you a fake. That’s the matter with this world people think they can talk to you however they want, what happened to courtesy and politeness, right on man you showed him how he can talk to an ex-Marine. lol
Im crushed that I never got a chance to meet Neil, for when ever I look at the moon I always think of you guys, now I guess Neil’s spirit is a part of the Moon.
Id love to get a chance to hear you speak one day.
All the best
Dan
Luc Lefebvre
Posted at 05:41h, 26 AugustMoving words marking the passing of an icon of a globally inpiring chapter of technological, scientific and human accomplishment.
vinny mason
Posted at 05:23h, 26 AugustA great man who has left us an immortal legacy his words will mark history for all time RIP Neil.
Jason Dick
Posted at 05:23h, 26 AugustThe world is poorer from Neil’s passing but infinitely richer from his life. Now you and Mike look after yourselves. We’re all looking forward to the 50th anniversary.
Kevin Humphreys
Posted at 05:20h, 26 AugustWell said Buzz. I remember being aged 16 in my hospital bed, wheeled into the TV room to see the magical event happen in 69. Always a big event in my life. Thank You.
Kevin.
Paul Cochrane
Posted at 05:16h, 26 AugustAll we can ask, is a life well lived. For Neil to have reached beyond that, with the help of his team, leaves his achievements higher than the rest. God bless him and all who reached beyond our imagining.
Chance Thorne
Posted at 04:54h, 26 AugustI remember. Thank you all three. I was a very young boy at that time. My Dad a US serviceman brought me back into the house to watch it on TV whilst we lived in Prattville, Alabama. God bless you Buzzl and condolences to the Armstrong family.
Derek Brabrook
Posted at 04:43h, 26 AugustA touching statement from an equally great man to his friend, you three lit up humanity at a time of great division and showed us how futile our petty disagreements were… I was six years old when I witnessed the Apollo 11 landing, I’ll never forget it ….what amazes me even more is that you got there on the computing power of a calculator….. Thank you Neil, Buzz and Mike true pioneers and brave men.
Bruno
Posted at 04:42h, 26 AugustHello,
I am a computer engineer from France.
I have read your statement, and I also feel really sad on the passing of Neil Armstrong. The historical mission Apollo XI is for me one of the greatest achievements of humanity, and I have always been a big fan of space exploration because of the Apollo missions, which occured when I was a child. I have a lot of admiration for what Neil and you achieved in this travel to the Moon. Those who participated in these missions to the Moon will always be seen and remembered as heroes.
Ceri Glen
Posted at 04:40h, 26 AugustDear Buzz
Thank you for what you all did – all the people who worked on the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo projects.
Your hard work and effort will never be forgotten.
Neil is back with the stars again, resting in peace.
I am sorry for the loss of your friend – Keep the dream alive.
Ceri
Patrick
Posted at 04:39h, 26 AugustRest in peace, Neil. Say hello to the spirits above. Again.
Liat Feldman
Posted at 04:37h, 26 AugustLoved what you wrote, it was written from the heart. Sorry for your lose, he was a great man and always be remembered.
fabriceweb
Posted at 04:35h, 26 AugustJe salue un Grand Homme et m’associe au chagrin de ses proches.
Sheena Webster
Posted at 04:34h, 26 AugustI watched that historic moment in Australia that I’d recently emigrated to. I was just sixteen. Ever since that day I’ve loved all things space related. You all were very brave men. RIP Neil x
James Edwards
Posted at 04:26h, 26 AugustVery sad, I remember as a boy watching all these great new space missions and will never forget them. All these men are my heroe’s and are a huge part of me. Thank you Mr. Armstrong for all the good memories and all the condolences to your family.
Kevin Goodwin
Posted at 04:17h, 26 AugustIt was one day before my 5th birthday that yourself and Mr. Armstrong walked on the moon, with Mr. Collins circling above. All three of you great men were my heroes then, just as you are today. Thank you all for your contributions to our world, and to my life.
rob p
Posted at 04:05h, 26 AugustI was 14 years old and can remember watching the grainy b&w pictures of you and Neil as History was made before the eyes of the world. Your’s and the efforts and achievements of those of all who worked to achieve this goal have been uncorrupted by time and I think there have never been three more noble heroes of our age. thank you for your inspiration.
David Salmon
Posted at 04:04h, 26 AugustMoved to tears by your gracious and heartfelt words. May I just add my sympathies to Neil’s family and also express my thanks to you and your colleagues and families, on your remarkable journeys that inspired a (my) generation.
R.I.P. Neil Armstrong
Andy Sweet
Posted at 03:51h, 26 AugustHis name will live on among the stars…….
brian bayley
Posted at 03:51h, 26 AugustBuzz,
You were both the first man on the moon. You landed together at the same time, taking the same risks. The ‘small step’ was the last part of an amazing journey. RIP Neil, one of a truly amazing team.
Brian (UK)
Murphy
Posted at 03:49h, 26 AugustAll the best for You Buzz. Both you are huge legends and will forever be.
sue mills
Posted at 03:34h, 26 Augusteverytime I look at the moon I think of that great day 69 now will think of the great man too.
John Matthews
Posted at 03:06h, 26 AugustThank you for that wonderful tribute to a real inspiration who (along with you Buzz) will be remembered for generations to come. Should we eventually reach the stars, his name will still be spoken with the highest regard by pioneers yet to come. I believe one quality that stands out about your trip to the moon (I watched it heart in mouth with commentary from Sir Patrick Moore) is the giving of HOPE. For the generation of people who experienced it, albeit from a distance, with you, it also made a statement. “WE CAN” And from this that HOPE is perpetuated. Not just for space travel, but hope for unity, friendship and mutual co-operation for all mankind. I am still filled with that hope and am sure it will there for many many years to come.
Love to family and friends is given with heartfelt sadness.
Nathan
Posted at 03:04h, 26 AugustThankyou Buzz. We’re all with you again on this sad day to remember Apollo 11’s amazing achievement and the passing of a true hero. <3 Humanity.
Stephen Duckworth
Posted at 03:01h, 26 AugustLike Arthur C Clarke I never thought I would see the first men on the moon and I never dreamed I would live to see the last. May Neil rest in peace and may his legacy not be forgotten.