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
Pieter Op De Beeck
Posted at 03:14h, 27 AugustVery touching words! He and the rest of the Apollo 11 crew are by far the most interesting scientists which risked their lives to give us more information on outer space. Thank you for that! May he rest in peace!
Mary Tinsley
Posted at 03:07h, 27 AugustThank You for your words. I share your heart. As a child I was just taken away by the adventure you all afforded my days. As an Army Brat I lived in Okinawa, Alabama and Alaska from late 1968 until June 69. Yours was the one consistent story around the world at the time for me.
God Bless to all.
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Posted at 02:01h, 27 August[…] Buzz Aldrin’s statement on Neil’s death can be found here. […]
Ulrich Block
Posted at 01:31h, 27 AugustI`m very sad about his passing. I had a big car accident at that year and I was one year in hospital. “The night” I will never forget in my life. The nurse woke us up for to watch the moon.landing. ( I was 8 years old). Whenever I see the moon now. Neil smiles.
Stefano
Posted at 01:17h, 27 AugustI was ten year old and I will remember those fantastic moments forever ! Thanks our heroes.
RAINER DÜNKER
Posted at 01:05h, 27 AugustRest in peace – Neil Armstrong !
Daniel
Posted at 00:37h, 27 AugustHistory will forever remember the name Neil Armstrong, the first human to set foot on another world. That cannot be beaten. Rest in Peace.
May we continue our inspirational exploration of space. Neil would have wanted that.
Geethu Paulose
Posted at 00:34h, 27 AugustDear Sir ,
I always wished if I could watch that historic moment live in 1969, ever since I was taught in school about the First man to walk on the moon (around 15 years back). But today, as the world mourns over the demise of the Great Hero, I wish if only I knew a little early that He was still living a private life , if ever in my life I could make it to get to meet Him and listen , like a kid , to those epic moments of the Greatest Journey mankind has ever made .
Though I was nowhere a part of the journey, nor a witness of the historic moment, just a youngster like any of my age who have read and met the Three Great Men “Neil, Buzz and Collins” in history and news, there is a deep feeling of loss.The loss of a true Hero, a true Legend.
At the same time, I am feeling grateful to read the statement of this Brave Hero and leave a reply as through your words Sir you inspire a million hearts. Through Buzz and Neil we touched the Moon.Through your mission You proved that nothing is impossible. Thank you Neil, Thank you Buzz, Thank you Collins. You will live in our hearts and will remain as our Greatest Heroes Forever.
Peace be with your Soul, Neil . Prayers and love for your Family from all of us!!.
Rob C.
Posted at 00:13h, 27 AugustOh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, –and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of –Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air…
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
–High Flight by John Gillespie Magee
Condolences to all that knew him.
Rest in peace commander Armstrong.
Enrico Galliano
Posted at 00:11h, 27 AugustI can not imagine the pain he feels for the death of his friend Neil Armstrong. I offer my condolences with profound respect , App.S. Carabinieri, Enrico Galliano, Italy
peterKD
Posted at 00:09h, 27 AugustI remember , I was 15 years old , full of wonder at what was going on.
It was so real, my family in our sitting room were all amazed.
At school it was all we were talking about….he was a very brave man to take that step, he is still my hero….go for gold Neil, we will cheer you on and on…
Peter
Grant
Posted at 00:05h, 27 AugustYou are legends, the three of you. As schoolboys in Sydney, we listened to the landing because our principal was too foolish to let us all go home and watch it, which we could have. The school captain and about 12 others at least slipped away, did so, and were caned for their trouble. The story is legendary amongst our old boys. One of the most memorable days of our lives. Vale Neil, all honour to Buzz and Michael.
Rob C.
Posted at 00:01h, 27 AugustOh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, –and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of –Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air…
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
–High Flight by John Gillespie
Our condolences to all that knew him.
Rest in peace commander Armstrong.
Mia Raunegger
Posted at 23:59h, 26 AugustOne man from a historical moment has passed away. He did what I always has dreamt of doing. I can only imagine about the feeling of watching our beautiful planet from the moon. My condoleances to his family and may his soul rest in peace.
Renier Vorster
Posted at 23:40h, 26 AugustVery few men leave behind such a legacy. Godspeed, Mr Armstrong.
Anthony Adragna
Posted at 23:06h, 26 AugustWell said Mr. Aldrin. All of the astronauts of our space programs are legitimate American heroes in my opinion. Neil Armstrong was a part of my life since the beginning of it. I was born on July 8th 1969 and my mother made sure to remind me every year that she held me in her arms and we watched the first man walk on the moon. My telescope will be trained on the sea more and more so my son and daughter can see the very first place human kind walked on another planet other than earth on a summer day in July 1969. And he will learn about Neil, Buzz and Mike, I’ll make sure of it .
Joe Pien
Posted at 21:42h, 26 AugustDear Buzz. You words truly encapsulate for many our feelings towards Neil and infact all of the astronauts that walked on the moon. I was 12 at the time , sitting in the school hall here in Sydney, Australia in the afternoon with the rest of the pupils of our school watching on a large black and white set those first few steps both of you took on the moon over 2 hours. Here in Australia we were priviledged to be the first to watch those momentous steps.We were all amazed and looking on with astonishment what man had been able to achieve in such a short period of time with flight and space travel.From that day on I have always hoped that there would be other events that would bring the world together to stop and think about their humanity and what we can achieve as one.Apollo certaintly did that so I slaute Neil ,yourself, Michael and all those astronauts that allowed me to share in a unique piece of history that I share still today with my kids who, like I love everything about space and exploration. I for one will certaintly be looking at the moon and wink back at Neil who led his life with such dignity, humility and spirit which we can all take a lesson from. Neil, from myself, my family and the world at large we will not forget you. Job well done Commander!
Yuri Romanov
Posted at 21:33h, 26 AugustMy condolences to you and Armstrong’s family.
Your well-known picture on the Moon, photographed by Neil, induced in me interest to astronautics. The mankind won’t forget your joint feat.
Yuri, Sakha Republic of Russia
MaryEllen Rendine
Posted at 21:11h, 26 AugustRest in the Arms of GOD. You will forever be an American hero who pushed the envelope with your fellow astronauts. I am just 1 part of a grateful nation.
Chuck Vaughn
Posted at 21:00h, 26 AugustWell said, Buzz. They just don’t make em like you guys anymore, and that’s the sad part. The times have changed, but the journey is always better than the destination, and you guys had one heck of a trip. RIP Neil.
Andy Mervin George
Posted at 20:51h, 26 AugustHe is the reason why I love space exploration! He proved to us that no sky is a limit unless you have landed on the moon. RIP NA. You will forever be remembered for generations to come.
Ian Walker
Posted at 20:28h, 26 AugustI am greatly saddened.
The finest man in the finest group of men who ever lived… We have slowly but surely gone backwards since the moon landings.
The world is much diminished.
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Posted at 20:28h, 26 August[…] to: Buzz Aldrin’s Official Statement on the Passing of Neil Armstrong. See also: @TheRealBuzz Ken Perrott hails from New Zealand. An atheist, scientist, and artist, […]
James Morgan
Posted at 20:25h, 26 AugustWell said: “may his vision for our human destiny in space be his legacy.”
… we will raise a large one to him, you and Mike when we set foot on Mars.
Mosto
Posted at 20:25h, 26 AugustI had the luck to watch the apollo 11 historic mission on the live transmissions back in 1969. Neil and his crew are heroes since my childhood. Neil, So long, my friend. Save me a place.
Amy Bauer
Posted at 20:16h, 26 AugustYour statement was beautiful, Mr. Aldrin. RIP, Neil Armstrong. Thank you to all the astronauts for fulfilling the dream of reaching the moon and here’s to the hope of returning soon to space exploration.
Jeff Garlick
Posted at 19:29h, 26 AugustNeil along with you and Mike were the idols of my childhood and remain heroes of my adult life. For as long as Humans step foot on the Earth, they will remember Neil Armstrong and that GIANT leap for all Mankind.
Your words and iconic photo are testament to the fraternity of the VERY few who left those remarkable footprints on the Lunar surface. Truly touching and fitting.
Alex Tuzzo
Posted at 19:25h, 26 AugustThank you Neil. I was born a year before you walked on our moon. Because of you I never saw a moon unwalked by man. Because of you I was inspired to reach for the sky. As a fellow aviator I will always look at our moon and remember..
Jeremy
Posted at 19:18h, 26 AugustI do say Neil Should of made it to be at the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11. He should be buried on the moon he would of loved to be…
George Zeman
Posted at 19:15h, 26 AugustI was 7 years old, living in Prague, Czechoslovakia, when my whole family watched the fantastic first live telecast from the Moon. It was less than a year after the brutal invasion of our country by the Russian tanks.
We were transfixed by this great American triumph and I became fascinated for life with NASA’s space exploration and particularly with the Apollo program.
Over the ensuing decades I have been fortunate to meet two of the dozen moonwalkers, both unbelievably modest, inspiring and funny men – John Young and Neil Armstrong.
My wife and I were moved to tears at a special audience with Mr. Armstrong almost exactly a year ago in Sydney. Today we are very sad. I am feeling grief in a very personal way, for another connection is lost to the magic of childhood, when, despite the times being tough and the cold war’s end practically unimaginable, we were full of hope and just plain in awe.
I am sure there will be new heroes in space and I hope that again little boys and girls will find a way to connect with them, even through the incredibly distracting clutter of obstacles they face in this information rich, thought concentration poor age. But for me the top three will always be Neil, Mike and Buzz…
Yesterday the family of Mr. Armstrong issued a statement suggesting for people to pay tribute to him by winking at the Moon in the sky. I report that I am ahead, as I have been doing this for most of my life!
So once again: Godspeed, Neil Armstrong!
Going on this journey, you haven’t left any debts behind. I envy you..
Dirk Flinthart
Posted at 19:11h, 26 AugustVale.
Rob Reid
Posted at 18:49h, 26 AugustA very fitting tribute, Buzz. I’m so glad we have people like you who can achieve such great things (and continue to advocate to achieve more), including those who did all that hard work on the ground to get us out into space.
My Mum brought me into the house to watch the landing on our TV in New Zealand. I was only 6, but seeing you and Neil on the moon truly inspired me and made me an instant space enthusiast. I knew straight away how important it was.
I am genuinely saddened that Neil Armstrong has passed on, but he will never be forgotten.
Dana Luterick
Posted at 18:47h, 26 AugustI was ten years old when Neil,Buzz and Mike set sail for the Moon. At age 53 I have been investing in the space program for 43 years now. I would like to see this nation lower the flag as look back to July 20th 1969. DJL
Ann Prince
Posted at 18:42h, 26 AugustRest in Peace Neil Armstrong, Thank you for inspiring a generation to reach for the sky and beyond.
MY deepest condolences to the Armstrong family.
Anver Anderson
Posted at 18:29h, 26 AugustIt’s always sad to see the passing of great human beings, but for one to leave such a legacy is a true testament to the good our species is capable of when we set ourselves a legitimate target. Neil, Buzz and Michael – and Nasa’s entire team set such a target. It was no small step for a man or mankind. Neil’s was a giant leap. I salute you sir – and your team. I wish you true tranquility.
Dave McKiernan
Posted at 18:25h, 26 AugustI was born in ’69 and remember the end of the Apollo Program. We all talked about you and Neil in school and all wanted to become Astronauts. Many of us became engineers instead, but it was your work and everyone involved in the program that made us choose that path. You really have inspired generations and I hope this continues. This is one giant loss for mankind – RIP CDR.
Conor Sheehan
Posted at 18:15h, 26 AugustAll of you allowed me to dare to dream, to wonder, to ponder. You sparked my imagination and made it ok to ask What If? I can only dream of achieving a tiny percentage of what you have. I salute you Messrs Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins.
Brent Emanuel
Posted at 18:08h, 26 AugustBuzz,
Those were beautiful and heartfelt words. I am sorry for the loss of your friend. I was just shy of 3 years old when, as my parents said, I watched intently as you and Neil touched the face of another world. I don’t remember much but I was there and saw it. You have been since then, and always will be, my heroes. God bless you Buzz. RIP Neil Armstrong and God speed! I know that he has made another successful landing. This time at the gates of heaven.
Wally Jordan
Posted at 18:01h, 26 AugustHe has made the last “giant leap”. Godbless mr. Armstrong.
Steve Punter
Posted at 17:57h, 26 AugustApparently 6 flags were planted on the moon – and five of them are still standing. Given no wind pushed the 6th one over, I reckon it was Neils’ spirit blasting past that did it. Possibly with a chuckle. Viya con Dias, Neil.
Julie
Posted at 17:56h, 26 AugustAd astra Neil Armstrong…Godspeed..
Alfred
Posted at 17:44h, 26 AugustNeil was an American hero in the true sense of the word. He was an extraordinary man whose name will literally, and deservedly, pass into legend.
Michael Davis
Posted at 16:56h, 26 AugustFirst of all, that’s a great photo you shot of Neil in the LM under very difficult lighting conditions. It’s always been one of my favorite Apollo 11 photos.
I read your heartfelt tribute to Neil with tears in my eyes. I knew this day would come eventually, but I hoped it never would. Now that it’s finally arrived, I find it to be a far sadder day than I ever imagined. I won’t pretend to know how you feel right now, but I appreciate you providing this forum for us to express our thoughts and prayers not only for you and Michael, but to the entire Armstrong family. I will always appreciate what you and Neil did for me at 4:17pm EDT on July 20, 1969.
I look forward to seeing you at the ASF show in November and at the 50th anniversary gathering, where ever it may be. May you live long and prosper.
Andres Delgado
Posted at 16:55h, 26 AugustThere are no words to express my sorrow for the loss of one of the finest man that have ever walk planet earth. I was not even born when Commander Armstrong set foot on the moon, but he and the rest of the crew of Apollo II have been my forever heros. Tears from heaven, Commander God be with you.
The Delgado Family.
Constantine PAPAS
Posted at 16:54h, 26 AugustTo all those that knew, worked, flew, laughed, cried, shared, lived in awe of and boldly ventured towards the heavens with, may his memory be eternal…A remarkable and humble man whose achievements together with ALL those fearless and pioneering friends and colleagues, made humanity one and made us all proud. The news of your passing touched me as I reflected upon a human being whose humble efforts and changed human kind. God bless you. We all pray that your final destination beyond the moon is a place of serenity and peace for your soul unto the ages of ages…Amen (Good on you Buzz – another man I greatly admire. Keep his legacy alive…Take Care)
JoBlow
Posted at 16:50h, 26 AugustWe will never see men like that again true pioneer who put their lives on a thin wire for the sake of humanity. These heros were men focused on the success of their mission. I think we have lost Christofer Colombus, Jacques Cartier and all great explorators in one men.
Now he is walking in heaven God bless him.
Ben Braack
Posted at 16:41h, 26 AugustNice work Buzz!
Tony Brabazon
Posted at 16:19h, 26 AugustWell said Buzz. That historic occasion was one of the most amazing events in my life. I was 14. You were a triumvirate. Heroes all three. RIP Neil.
Tony Brabazon
Dublin, Ireland.
Sophie H
Posted at 16:18h, 26 AugustSo sorry for the loss of your friend and colleague. Mankind will never forget what you did.
Lee Gaffrey
Posted at 16:15h, 26 AugustI too am deeply saddened by the passing of Astronaut Neil Armstrong. The memory of standing in my driveway on the night of July 20, 1969 and looking at the moon is still vividly with me. Thank you Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin for that memory. RIP, Astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Lee J. Gaffrey, Captain, USN, Retired (Naval AViator)