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
Neil Shaw
Posted at 16:05h, 26 AugustWell said, Buzz. What you guys, and the team, did makes me so proud of mankind. You were – and are – my heroes. Your place in the history books, and my memory, will be forever. RIP Neil.
John Broadbent Eng Tech Uk
Posted at 16:05h, 26 AugustGod speed Neil Armstrong
paolo miniussi
Posted at 16:05h, 26 AugustAll the Octobersky Group and me are very sad to heard of the passing of Neil. Thanks Buzz for your beautiful condolences words. This is a small message I can leave for a giant man and your great friend. I’m very very sad…. I can feel how deep is your pain Buzz, as I can imagine for his family.
Thanks for your fantastic job as Apollo 11 crew.
We will never forgotten him. Rest in Peace, wherever he is.
Paolo Miniussi, Octobersky Group, Italy.
Gabriel
Posted at 16:04h, 26 AugustRIP, Neil Armstrong. Death is just an inconvenience, for you are immortal.
Ken O'Brien
Posted at 16:00h, 26 AugustThe exploits of the crew of Apollo 11 filled us with excitement as kids. Now we reach the sad moment when Neil Armstrong has passed away. Condolences to his family and to you his friends and crew mates. He was an unassuming man who did remarkable things.
Brian Johnson
Posted at 15:59h, 26 AugustYou are all amazing people…thanks for what you have done and sharing it with us
Melanie Eagle
Posted at 15:59h, 26 AugustYou were my Hero’s as I was growing-up and for many millions of other kids around the world. It is always a sad day when a Hero dies, yet though his passing is sad, we are all left with a moment in history that united Mankind. It aspired a generation to try to sculpt a future that will define us eventually as only “Men living on “Earth” God bless you All
Ted Neale
Posted at 15:58h, 26 AugustRIP to one of the worlds greatest explorers of my era
Jeff Jinx
Posted at 15:49h, 26 AugustI was 9 years of age when Neil and Buzz walked on the moon. It was and is the greatest event of my life time. It made me believe in greater things to come in space exploration – and the highest qualities of the human race. An era seems to have sadly come to a close with Neil’s passing. You guys were and are my heroes. You make us all think of achieving better things, being better people. Thank you.
Karl from Belgium
Posted at 15:47h, 26 AugustKind words for a great man. Neil Armstrong is a man who has become part of our identity: we all know who he is, and what he did, and what his role in history is. At the time, during the cold war, the words “we came in peace for all mankind” sounded a little hollow, but now, years later, we came to understand the true value of these words. Neil Armstrong, and all those who worked with him, simply and peacefully stood in their own value. No big words, but deeds. That’s the stuff that historical figures are made of.
Hasan
Posted at 15:36h, 26 AugustI’ve got 1 word to say to this great man: RESPECT!
dave lodge
Posted at 15:28h, 26 AugustThe moment you both landed on the moon is etched in my mind forever you are all true real life heros and your names will live on forever as an inspiration to all mankind
Antonio Padula
Posted at 15:27h, 26 AugustI state, Mr. Aldrin, that your words are true. I was only 2 and 6 months on July 1969 but I have a little remember of that moment. R.I.P. Neil Armstrong. Best regards from Italy.
Gary Corfitzson
Posted at 15:25h, 26 AugustThank you Buzz. Hearing such words from you brings a good point home…
edgard
Posted at 15:22h, 26 Augustrest in peace, your effort will never be forgotten because everyone of you work hard to make the dreams come true !. God bless all of you and God bless America !. thanks a lot for your beautiful words mr Aldrin
Lenah Beyrent
Posted at 15:10h, 26 AugustAs inspiring, heartening and enriching as man’s exploration of space has been, as unforgettable , there are quiet , human aspects that underscore and soar far beyond stars and stardom. I have over the years since I first knew of our reach for the stars been most impressed and found greater lessons in the courage and fears, the love and dedication, the hard choices and personal challenges faced by all who challenged our earthbound, hidebound state. The team work, the partnerships, the impacts and demands of this dedication to discovery on those engaged in it and their responses , far beyond the actual successes , have bestowed humanity with glimpses of our great potentials , our gifts and blessings.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the families , friends, colleagues who must endure this parting. I have been blessed to know of him, may his blessings in your lives and memories sustain, comfort and ease you all.
Doug Lee
Posted at 15:01h, 26 Augustalthough this occurred long before i was born, whenever i look up at the moon i think to myself, “there are people who have been on that thing”. this blows me away, every single time. thanks to the three kings of luna.
Martin bayliss
Posted at 14:52h, 26 AugustVery sad. Neil Armstrong’s passing has touched me deeply. I will never forget July 21 1969. All the Apollo teams were my heroes, but none more than Neil Armstrong. RIP
Steve Hooper
Posted at 14:49h, 26 AugustAll three of you were brave pathfinders and although only nine years old at the time I was honoured to be alive when you made your historic landing and you both made your exploratory steps on the Moon.
It is sad when we lose a friend but the memory will live-on.
Kerry
Posted at 14:49h, 26 AugustHe is an Icon, i was 6 when i watched the televison in a pub while my family were on holiday,im from the UK, and i saw him take that first step ! Forever it lives in my mind, i would run home from school to watch the Apollo missions and it still fills me with wonder , all you brave souls ! I maybe a shop asst, and mother but your all teachers to us still and Neil Armstrong, may you be upon the moon tonight…with God xx
Thomas F. Meade
Posted at 14:46h, 26 AugustI am thankful my dad woke me up that night to watch the landing even though I was just 5 and Mom objected. It is still such an amazing feat. We are sad Neil has passed but I will never forget the greatest achievement of the 20th century.
Jim Thibodeau
Posted at 14:39h, 26 AugustThank you Dr. Aldrin. I am very sorry for the loss of your friend.
You were very inspirational to me during my formative and young adult years.
Pierpaolo
Posted at 14:39h, 26 AugustI’ll keep your photo on my profile for a month, so as to remember, who you recognize, that for a night held the nose up hoping to see you walk on the moon. Just a shame that you did not see the leap of humanity. Bye Neil!
Geneva Gernold
Posted at 14:29h, 26 AugustDear Buzz,
I can’t believe that Neil Armstrong has died. The loss has hit both myself and my husband pretty hard. We miss him terribly already … knowing that we no longer share the same Earth with him. He was our hero and inspiration to follow the dreams that the three of you carried to space for us. Buzz, I am so sorry for the great loss of your friend, Neil. What wonderful memories you guys have given us; the permission to strive for great things. “Thank you” just doesn’t seem to cover it. In short though, I wish to express my family’s most sincere condolences to you, his family and friends, for your loss at this time. Rest in Peace, Neil. Rest in Peace.
Rev. Michael Hays
Posted at 14:27h, 26 AugustA great American who possessed true humility. Thank you for taking us to the Moon. You have left the Earth again but, I am certain to a place that is beyond comparison. America bids good bye to a real hero.
Michael Langton
Posted at 14:21h, 26 AugustA great man so sadly passed away, a hero for all of time. I will always look up to the moon and remember you.
Glenn Rowlands
Posted at 14:19h, 26 AugustCondolences to the Armstrong Family on the passing of Neil, One of the last great “living Legends” we have all respected and admired. Awesome tribute to Neil from you Buzz, Just awesome, hope next time you are down here in New Zealand Buzz we can share a laugh like we did last time, something i will never forget from another living legend like yourself.
Barbara Dewey
Posted at 14:18h, 26 AugustThank you, Sir, for your service and for sharing your thoughts with us at this time. As an eleven year old, I watched you, Neil, and Michael as you did the seemingly impossible feat of travelling to the moon and safely back. You are all heroes in a world with far too few people to whom we can look up to even a little bit. My heart is with you and with all those whose lives were touched by Neil’s life. I have nothing but huge respect for you all.
DC
Posted at 14:09h, 26 AugustWell said, Buzz. It is quite rare in the course of human events- and the brief life spans granted our species- to say we’ve all shared time and space with individuals who will truly be remembered centuries after all the trials and tribulations of our times have long faded into footnoted oblivion. The crew of Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and you, are three of those individuals. The recent images taken by the LRO of your landing site on the Sea of Tranquility truly bring it home- those trails are full of Neil’s footprints. And your footprints. Representing all our footprints, from generations past and for generations to come who have and will look up at Luna, and wonder, if only for a moment, what it’s like to go there.
Heidi
Posted at 14:07h, 26 AugustBeautifully said… Thank you, Buzz. Rest in peace, Neil.
Laura Swain
Posted at 14:00h, 26 AugustBuzz, what a beautiful and fitting tribute to your friend and one of the finest American Heroes of this and future generation to admire. You and Mike both legends and true heroes as well. I was just five years old when I saw the moon landing on tv. It inspired me to work on F4’s when I grew up. I am always inspired and humbled by our quest for humankind
John Kenny Ireland
Posted at 13:58h, 26 AugustVery saddened to hear of Neil’s passing as a young boy watched the Apollo missions. I am sure many young boys of my age were inspired by Neil and as a result went on to study science or engineering which has delivered enormous benefits to humanity.
Maria
Posted at 13:57h, 26 AugustWielki smutek ogarnął cały świat. Nie oglądałam tego, jestem za młoda, ale pamiętam, że jako dziecko miałam książkę z astronautami i że był tam Neil i Buzz. Podziwiałam ich. 🙂 I nadal podziwiam. To wspaniałe, bo w dniu jego śmierci podziwiałam księżyc (był tego dnia piękny), podeszłam do telewizora i zobaczyłam tą wiadomość. To tak, jakby on ponownie tam stał i cieszył się. 🙂
Rest in peace. [*]
DMcG
Posted at 13:56h, 26 AugustA classy response from a classy guy. You and Neil will always be special heros to our generation, who were kids looking on in awe to see what you had achieved. We grieve the loss of Neil and offer our sympathies and prayers to the entire Armstrong family, blood and astronaut versions.
Jack T
Posted at 13:55h, 26 AugustRest in peace Neil Armstrong for you heart will forever be with the stars and I hope that the day we set foot on mars You will be remembered in the logs and minds aboard that ship bless you Niel and buzz and mike this changed the way we look at our planet and what we were capable of achieving I am deeply saddened by your loss and I thank you for your bravery .
David Wainwright
Posted at 13:55h, 26 AugustI was woken from my sleep as a 7 year old by my father to watch that historic moment on July 20, 1969. I shall never forget it. RIP Neil
Gaby
Posted at 13:50h, 26 AugustRest in peace, Mr Armstrong.
Mustapha El Kadimi
Posted at 13:48h, 26 AugustNow come on Buzz, have you really been to the moon, or was it just a Hollywood movie.
You may be next, you know? Better tell the truth NOW!
Theresa Marcheque-Barner
Posted at 13:47h, 26 AugustI love to gaze at our Moon in wonder.
It will hold even greater wonder now, after Neil’s passing .
He will always be in my heart as a source of inspiration .
A true hero.
David W. Carroll
Posted at 13:47h, 26 AugustI grew up a NASA kid, following every mission from Mercury thru the final Shuttle missions. I know exactly where I was when Neil Armstrong took that famous step. I followed him and Buzz the best I could over the years. Losing Neil is like losing a part of my childhood. I wish he had been able to celebrate that 50th anniversary on Mars.
Eric James
Posted at 13:39h, 26 AugustI’m sorry for your loss, Buzz, as I am for our own. On that beautiful day I thought we would have done more by now. No doubt future generations will. I miss where Neil & you took our national spirit then, but I will never forget where we can go, & how both of you confirmed it.
Craig Allan
Posted at 13:38h, 26 AugustBuzz very well said. It is true that NASA picked the men with the right stuff when they brought together the Apollo men.
A reluctant star has faded but his memory burns bright.
Rest in Peace Neil Armstrong
Craig Allan – Scotland
David Smith
Posted at 13:35h, 26 AugustOne of my all time childhood heroes! I will never forget watching both of you walking on the moon on TV. I kept going out in the yard and looking at the moon, then back in to see television. I still find it hard to believe. RIP Mr. Armstrong. We could use a few more Americans like you today.
Brian Anderson
Posted at 13:35h, 26 AugustSuch brilliant words Buzz i was a wee Boy in Scotland watching you in Awwww on that Moon, You are the real heroes and always will be .Kindest regards Brian Anderson Edinburgh Scotland
Rik Ouwens
Posted at 13:30h, 26 AugustIn a hopefully not to distant future the children of earth and the children of other planets will learn in school that the first step towards the redemption of humankind had been made by one determined but modest man named Neil Armstrong as he took that giant leap from the Eagle. may he live forever as an example and a rolemodel that greatness comes from within and is shaped by hard work and strength of character.
Dharmik
Posted at 13:29h, 26 Augustwe all have unique talent so do you MR N.ARMSTRONG
Lois Huneycutt
Posted at 13:24h, 26 AugustI think Neil would be as honored by you calling him “the best pilot I ever knew” as he would by anything else anyone would ever say about him.
Eblan Farris
Posted at 13:23h, 26 AugustR.I.P. Neal, I will never forget Watching you and Buzz on the Moon, I was young, I watched, I couldn’t fully grasp, Years later I’m starting to Understand. Today, lots of us that work at NASA, do, because of the inspiration of Apollo 11. Thank You and Godspeed.
Keith Flower
Posted at 13:22h, 26 AugustThe voices: Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, obviously excited but so calm and controlled, as you descended to Mare Tranquilitas:
“1201”. “1202”. “Give us a reading on the 1201 program alarm.”
Capcom, with the single warning of how much fuel remained – “30 seconds”.
You and Mr. Armstrong will be forever linked in our memories. I am sorry for the loss of your friend and ours.
Doug Moore
Posted at 13:21h, 26 AugustThank you Mr Armstrong, for your courage and insatiable curiosity.