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
Gary Walters
Posted at 13:20h, 26 AugustBuzz, well stated by yourself, and by the many others. Today, we remember a Naval Avaitor, a test pilot, an astronaut, and your crewmate. May all of us understand that death, is a part of life, and that although Neil Armstrong shunned the spotlight, his attitude as an Engineer has helped many of us younger individuals to strive better in whatever career we took after witnessing the Eagle landing in 1969. Apollo 11 was an achievement to the human spirit, and Neil Armstrong is now in a better place looking, with God Almighty.
Susan Pater
Posted at 13:19h, 26 AugustHave spent an afternoon watching some of the footage from a boxed set – The Mighty Saturns – from the NASA archive. What a tremendous acheivement from start to finish, just the sheer skiill and dedication from all those involved is inspiring and so I send sincere condolences.
Sunay Ibryamov
Posted at 13:18h, 26 AugustR.I.P. Neil Armstrong is Legend.
Quentin
Posted at 13:17h, 26 AugustThe Apollo 11 crew were the greatest explorers in human history.My condolences to the Armstrong family and thanks to you Buzz and Michael Collins for your courage.
Rich and Liz glover UK
Posted at 13:17h, 26 AugustI just wish we were a couple of years older so we saw man go to the moon as they haven’t in our life time, how brave and such an inspiration you all were, now he is looking at us again from above, rest in peace
Steven Jackson
Posted at 13:16h, 26 AugustVery very sad hearing about the passing of a true legend.
Whenever I look up to the Moon I remember the spirit of Apollo and our need to explore beyond the boundaries of Earth. When I look up to the Moon I will pause and remember with deep reverence, God speed Neil.
John Barfoot
Posted at 13:16h, 26 AugustYes, it’s a very sad day. God speed Mr. Armstrong.
Ken Haney
Posted at 13:13h, 26 AugustA sad time, our condolences…I well remember watching your moon landing on television, and had the privilege of meeting you at a book-signing several years ago. Thank you for your service, sir.
Phillip Cuccia
Posted at 13:11h, 26 AugustWhat wonderful comments. Thank you for publishing this.
ren
Posted at 13:08h, 26 AugustRIP Neil Armstrong and thank you
Peter James
Posted at 12:55h, 26 AugustYou landed on the moon on my big brothers 9th Birthday, he is also no longer with us, but I will think of them both on that great day.
RIP Neil Armstrong
John Kenny Ireland
Posted at 12:44h, 26 AugustVery saddened to hear of Neil,s passing as a young boy watched these missions. I am sure many young boys of my age were inspired by Neil as as a result went on as I have to study science an engineering which has been of enormous benefit to mankind.
Jane Godwin
Posted at 12:41h, 26 AugustSo sad to hear about the passing of Neil Armstrong the bravest of the brave as are all of the men and women Who have gone into space since. Watched the moon landing aged 8 at school will never forget it . Rest in peace Neil.
Paul
Posted at 12:33h, 26 AugustThanks Buzz
Darren Wait
Posted at 12:09h, 26 AugustI had never noticed until I saw the commentary on Twitter yesterday, that in the picture you post here, Neil was quite emotional, as can be seen in his eyes: the inspired and awed kind of emotion, with happiness. He is truly a hero as you state, as are you all. I was only four at the time of that landing, but watched it with fascination whenever it or any Apollo footage was played in a newscast or documentary. It was in large part that fascination that fueled my interest in amateur astronomy starting at age ten, and my entry into Chemistry in college, as well as a lifelong interest in Physics and Astronomy. All of you intrepid crews, both on the ground and in space, touched lives, and still do. Blessings. Godspeed to sky, Neil.
The Geller Family
Posted at 11:56h, 26 AugustDr. Aldrin,
So sorry to learn of Neil’s passing. You, Mike and Neil captured the imagination of the world and, make no mistake about it, continue to do so and will continue to do so for thousands of years to come. Each day our two boys awake to a picture of you taken by Neil as you were stepping down the LM ladder. I always remind them when pointing to that picture about all the hard work, dedication and ingenuity that went into making the moon landings possible and expect them to always do their best in school. Our deepest condolences go out to the Armstrong family, the NASA family that labored for years to achieve such magnificent feats of excellence and to all his countless fans around the world. May his memory bring about a Renaissance in our thinking about the importance of human space travel.
Colin
Posted at 11:43h, 26 AugustFew people in life make the impact on the rest of the world as you three did. Sorry for the loss of your friend, a little bit of all us goes with Neil.
john deeley
Posted at 11:34h, 26 AugustHi Buzz, lovely words at a sad time. I listened to you live on the radio in the middle of the night with my father. He told me nothing like this would happen again in my lifetime, and i still think he was right. I was 5 that night. You Neil and Michael made history, and I am grateful to you all for the memories. Thankyou Buzz and bon voyage Neil.
Eddie Challinor
Posted at 11:20h, 26 AugustA hero for me and many, hopefully his passing will make people realise that moving beyond Earth is the only way forward, Neil you led the way !
David Sherwood
Posted at 11:20h, 26 AugustI remember clearly that wonderful morning – it was 3.30am local time – when My family watched Neil and Buzz land on the moon.
I feel the world has lost one of its truly great explorers with the passing of Mr. Armstrong. I feel a light has gone out in the world. My condolences to his family and friends.
Tomasz
Posted at 11:19h, 26 AugustA man has passed away… his heritage will live forever…
Roger McNish
Posted at 11:07h, 26 AugustWe will always remember Neil Armstrong . my son Andrew and I watched from our home in Nottingham England., his first steps onto the Moon.
What an amazing piece of history to witness. This will live with us forever.
Teresa Cristina
Posted at 11:04h, 26 AugustAugust, 26th 2012:
I will always remember my three heroes landing on the moon. I was a girl. Now I am a womam. I am biologist and trust in life on Mars. Just because Professor Armstrong show me it on his way. Rest in peace Professor Armstrong. Descanse em paz, Professor Armstrong.
TERESA CRISTINA FROM RIO, BRAZIL.
John Y.
Posted at 11:04h, 26 AugustOnce of the greatest moments in science, engineering and human endeavor. As a kid, I was transformed watching Buzz and Neil on the surface of the Moon, and whenever I see the moon I am reminded of the efforts by so many, yet so few. Thank you Neil, Buzz, Michael and all the rest of the people with vision and commitment to give mankind hope that we can, indeed, do great things. RIP Neil Armstrong.
Joaquim Rimoli Nogueira
Posted at 10:57h, 26 AugustDear Mr. Buzz Aldrin,
I am also deeply saddened by the passing of one of the greatest heroes of the manking and to my generation.
I remember as today, i and my family together watching the moon landing on my grandfather’s house, here in Brasil. I remember when i, just a little boy, saw Mr. Armstrong print his footstep over the moon. Believe, this is until today, one of the most important moments of my life.
Thank to you, to Mr. Collins and to the Mr Armstrong!
Joaquim Rimoli Nogueira
Larisa Sutyagina
Posted at 10:52h, 26 AugustCondolences to the family of the Nil Armstrong and all Mankind . Goes generation of the Pioneers of the Space. God rest his soul! from Russia
Bozkurt (Gray Wolf)
Posted at 10:47h, 26 AugustMr. Aldrin I am deeply sorry for your loss :((
Denis Ferrari
Posted at 10:42h, 26 AugustA great loss for mankind! I – like many millions of huming beings – will miss Neil immensely … but every time I’ll look up in the sky at our beautiful Moon, Neil will always be present and leaving here with me.
RIP and Godspeed Neil Armstrong.
Ed Theobald
Posted at 10:13h, 26 AugustMy condolences on the passing of your friend and Apollo 11 Commander. Through you we all touched the moon. God Bless you, Buzz Aldrin. You are a great American
Ralph
Posted at 10:11h, 26 AugustGone but never forgotten.
Rest in Peace Neil Armstrong.
viviana governi
Posted at 09:59h, 26 Augusthe will remain my hero..now he returned back the the Moon..and i will see him every night over there
Graham Cooke
Posted at 09:57h, 26 AugustIn a world bereft of real heroes, Neil Armstrong was the genuine article. If mankind lasts another 100,000 years and reaches out to the stars, his name will be remembered. May he rest in peace.
Chris
Posted at 09:53h, 26 AugustI’m glad you’re with us Buzz. You’re still one of America’s greatest hero’s. So sad about Neil.
Farewell Eagle…..and we thank you.
Harold Heyworth
Posted at 09:39h, 26 AugustApollo xi was probably the most amazing event in my lifetime. I know Neil, Buzz and Mike were just the pinnacle of an enormous earthly effort – we all wanted to be there! Thanks to all who made it possible.
RIP Neil
Carlo Ciccone
Posted at 09:36h, 26 AugustI am very saddened today. There are people who I have never met personally who I feel I’ve known all my life and am a better person for knowing them. Mr. Armstrong is one of them. Rest in Peace Sir.
Cheryl
Posted at 09:26h, 26 AugustI stayed up all night to accompany you on that iconic night. Never to be forgotten, just like Neil will not be forgotten RIP.
Eric
Posted at 09:25h, 26 AugustMy condolences. It must be very hard indeed to lose someone with whom you were so connected through your extraordinary joint achievement. You have shared such incredible experiences that only a dozen of people can grasp. All three of you are true heroes and your names will always be remembered and honoured for what you have done for mankind. RIP Neil. You and your colleagues inspired the world – myself definitely including – so thank you very much for that.
Feel The Teal
Posted at 09:25h, 26 AugustGodspeed Neil Armstrong. Your body touched the moon and set eyes upon our earth. Now your soul belongs to the stars with your eyes set to heaven. RIP.
Sean Hipkiss
Posted at 09:24h, 26 AugustIt was with a heavy heart that I heard the news that Neil Armstrong had died yesterday. Like yourself, he was an inspiration to millions of people throughout the World. I was just shy of my 11th birthday I watched that great event on a black and white TV set here in the UK – Truly Spellbinding.
Ted Leng
Posted at 09:19h, 26 AugustBeautiful words. His death is a great loss for all of us, but I especially want to send you my condolences for the loss of your friend. Warmest regards.
Martin MacPhee
Posted at 09:13h, 26 AugustWhile I have no right to claim any greater connection to Neil than the rest of the World, I appreciate you Friends who understood immediately the impact his passing would have on me. I was driving the Family home from the beach all day yesterday and when I got home I stood looking at his photo, which hangs with Buzz and Mike, above our mantelpiece, and felt sad, sorry for myself, and old.
Then I took down my tiny sample of Moondust from Tranquility Base that they brought back for us, and wondered at how fortunate I am, and how grateful we should all be to live in the new world they helped reveal for us all – then went our and winked at the moon again, with a smile this time.
Denise laud
Posted at 09:10h, 26 AugustThat’s a beautifully written statement heartfelt and meaningful bless u all
Ronald Fuentes
Posted at 09:10h, 26 AugustI am truly sadden to hear a hero has been lost, but kit forgotten. I was just a child when I witness the thee Apollo Astronauts landed on the moon. Watching in our classroom on the TV those famous first steps and hearing Neil Armstrong statement. We extend our prayers to you and the Armstrong family. We will never forget what you all have contributed to our life.
Austin Marston
Posted at 09:09h, 26 AugustAll I can say is you a gentleman for you words. Although I was just a twinkle in my furthers eye, the courage of you and all the apollo astronauts showed has always made me look at the night sky and think, “one day it will be me”.
To the passing is a true legend…
susan claxton
Posted at 09:04h, 26 AugustI remember watching the moon walk in wonder what you wrote came straight from the heart,condlences to the Armstrongs
Rigo Van der Mercken ( Belgium)
Posted at 09:03h, 26 AugustI still can imagine the first moonlanding as it was yesterday.
My child heroe is gone.
A sad day but he had a great live and he leaves us with fantastic memories. R.I.P
Ron
Posted at 08:58h, 26 AugustYou three men are heroes. Sad that one has passed. But your adventure will live on in mankinds history for eternity.
It was truly the first step to wherever we travel in our future.
Joseph C Ruiz
Posted at 08:56h, 26 AugustRest in peace, Neil Armstrong. You are a shining example of bravery, dedication and intelligence. God bless you.
Beautiful words, Buzz. I know you, Mike Collins as well as millions of others will greatly miss Mr. Armstrong.
Ron
Posted at 08:54h, 26 AugustYou men are heroes. All of you… Sad that one has passed. Your adventure will leave on in mankinds history for eternity.
Tom Carter
Posted at 08:51h, 26 AugustAs a small boy of 6 years of age, I was allowed to stay up
All night to watch that historic event. A beautiful tribute
Buzz and rest in peace Neil.