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
Richard Royes
Posted at 17:05h, 31 AugustLet’s go back to the MOON !
Sonya Edwards Meadors
Posted at 11:57h, 31 AugustI know people don’t use the term “Lovely”
any more but it came to mind while reading this.
My husband & I discussed how Mr. Armstrong
appeared to never get jaded in a career & time when he
very well could have. Seemed like a stand up guy!
Jim
Posted at 07:24h, 31 AugustInspiring then and now!
Pingback:Neil Armstrong : First Step on Moon ; Last Step on Earth « Vidur's Blog
Posted at 07:01h, 31 August[…] Buzz Aldrin’s Official Statement on the Passing of Neil Armstrong (buzzaldrin.com) […]
Peter Karanja James
Posted at 05:43h, 31 AugustI came to know of Neil Amsrong`s archievements in my last year of primary school. The main English text book for class 8 pupils – The Stepping Out – carried a story entitled “Man Lands on the moon.“ The story was so excitting and I read it uncountable times. Any question set from that story I would get it correctly. That was 24 years ago. Neil Amstrong motivated all the pupils in Kenya. Since then, I have held him with great esteem. Now I have grown up still reading more about him. He recently flew with the airline that I work for, and the story was featured in the airlines magazine. I have already taken a copy that I plan to keep fro the rest of my life. His death is a great loss to his family, United States of America and whole humanity in general. We will live to remeber him. Peter Karanja, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tony
Posted at 15:26h, 30 AugustLike to think of Mr Armstrong on his biggest adventure ever now. His personal giant leap…..Thank-you for your courage for a adventure parallel to ´´the Epic of Gilgamesh´´. I took my first step the day the three of you launched for the moon and it is still the closest greatest adventure that will always remain closest to my heart. Godspeed
Erik Reijnhout
Posted at 04:46h, 30 AugustNeil, I will never forget you. It was a shock hearing Neil passed away. I immediately called my father: I was 10 years when my father and I watched Neil, Buzz and Mike on TV. Because of that great achievement, I knew already that I wanted to do a technical study. And I did. So that event in 1969 (and later moon landings) influenced my whole life. Still I am reading books of Buzz and Mike (I even sent him a letter). And Neil is on my list. Buzz, thank you for the nice words.
Erik Reijnhout, Netherlands
Klaas van Gelder
Posted at 02:52h, 30 AugustVery well spoken Buzz, I have read anything I could about the Apollo project since I got a copy of “For all Mankind” and still think is it the biggest adventure men have ever embarked too. You and Neil were definately the pioneers, and though I was only 1 year old during the “giant leap”, whenever I looked at the moon I hear the words of another astronaut, maybe Frank Borman “Tthose two lucky sons of bitches” and I even know the place on the moon were you walked.
Unfortunately, one of these two “sons” is no more, but he will surely not forgotten,
Leslie Gould
Posted at 02:10h, 30 AugustYou are all heroes to me. My late Father was an engineer and planner with Martin Marietta and he woke us up and we all bundled up in the family room to watch every televised launch there was. He was so proud to be a part of the space program. You all made dreams come true! Rest in peace Neil Armstrong … God Speed
Nadine Marquer
Posted at 19:37h, 29 AugustThank-you Neil Armstrong for helping lift me off this little ol earth if only in my mind. Bon Voyage , hope its even greater!
Thomas Jarvis
Posted at 17:28h, 29 AugustDear Buzz, I am with you on this most sarrowfull yet joyfull occation (sorry for the spelling) I mean joyfull in the fact that now Neil has joined other loved ones and in the fact that he has done what a lot of other people strive for and don’t acomplish which is to be someone that millions can look up to and admire. I was ten years old (july 15, 1959) and remember vividly those images coming from another planet. Neil and all will allways be remembered. PS I got to shake your hand in 1996 in Tigard Oregon and still have the photo. LONG LIVE NEIL ARMSTRONG.
Teresa Gibson
Posted at 15:02h, 29 AugustGreetings Buzz,
I know you are saddened at the loss of your friend, Neil Armstrong and so am I. I had the great pleasure of meeting him about 10 years ago. Very nice man! He is a great American hero. And so are you! Just hope you know how much you are appreciated, too. Wishing you all the best that life has to offer. We all miss communicating with you. You have been an inspiration and mentor to me and so many people. God bless you Buzz!
Teresa and Brittany Gibson
Huntsville, AL
C Galan
Posted at 13:46h, 29 AugustAdelaide, Australia, 1969, primary school: Everyone at school sat around a black and white tv set to watch the historic event. I can still recall the sense of wonderment I felt at that moment. But only as an adult did I appreciate the valor of the three space explorers. RIP Mr Armstrong
John Cavallaro
Posted at 11:34h, 29 AugustIt is a Sad Day on the Moon!….The American Flag, placed by Neil and Buzz, has a slight droop to it…..I saw it this morning……RIP Neil…Rest in Peace.
tony
Posted at 11:28h, 29 Augustheros, and icons for the 21st century
tony
Posted at 11:27h, 29 AugustTrue icons of the century.
Pingback:Astro-Event: The Craters of Apollo 11.
Posted at 08:42h, 29 August[…] […]
Simon
Posted at 08:41h, 29 AugustBest wishes and condolences to Neil’s family and to you Buzz at this sad time. Not many people get to leave their footprints behind when they finish their time on earth, let alone another world far away. A hero gone but never forgotten. Thanks Neil X
Patrick COUVET
Posted at 05:50h, 29 AugustMy condolences to all the family Neill, and you Buzz and Mike.
I join to your pain, your sorrow was, and I guess all those memories that are up to the surface in this difficult time.
The memories of this wonderful time, the adventure-apollo gemini.
When great or any part of the company was focused on a goal so extraordinary, and crossed by a “positive breath”, the reach and set foot on another planet than Earth, that is to say Moon.
And all these great projects, such as spaceports, intermediate points to access the human journey through the solar system and transport with Tugs, etc …
Unfortunately all programs and project post-Apollo Apollo were removed, and were replaced by the shuttle program.
Shuttle, what gear great, but unfortunately, part of a program that I have, from the beginning, always thought to be incomplete, without ambition and not at all the possibilities that could provide such a vessel.
But then, the approach has 1980s, the arrival of all values of the “new economy ultraliberal” began demolition work and restructuring.
This product has harmful effects for the Space industry, that we know, and absurd speech such as “Shuttle is a 99.9999% sure” or “Shuttle inaugurates the era of economical transportation and routine !!
What a huge mistake, you know the rest: destroyed two shuttles with their unfortunate crews, transportation cost prohibitive for a mixed system condemned to revolve around the Earth with the ISS.
Result, 43 years after your feat of 20 July 1969, is still stuck around the earth!
I hope we soon find extraordinary breath of the “space race” that you spread a time in everyone’s mind, or “Human” was the first place, not static economic profits.
Buzz you, Neill, Mike Lovell, Conrad, Bean, Shepard and all the other astronauts, as well as all the engineers and technicians at NASA, JPL, etc. ..
you were the instigators and the engines of the Apollo program, and we would have to rely on your extraordinary experience to continue the great adventure of space exploration, without breaking.
The inspiration for your generation Astonaute-Pilot still persists in the minds of some, like me for example, that 13 year old stay at Neill’s first step on the moon!
Yesterday I was lying on a beach near Bastia, Corsica, and I gazed at the sky. The moon rose above the horizon, immediately remembering the wish of the Armstrong family, I have not done a nod to the Moon, but I felt that from the bright Moon has the horizon, the great and beautiful soul Neill unfolded in the vast blue sky leads to the sea And the memory images in the Apollo capsule, its hooded face a cap of astronaut came back memory, he was enthroned in front of me the sky so blue Corsica. I felt gratitude and also sadness. Neill why did you leave!
Neill ARMSTRONG Peace and good journey your soul in the Sky !!!
Patrick COUVET from France
Paul Rudelhoff
Posted at 02:58h, 29 AugustI was just thinking there was no president, for what they did nothing to relate to no point of reference. They were writing the book of adventure, of pioneer, not reading from it. They destroyed any thought of boundary and limitation. Their heroism has spawned a long lasting legacy not just in space travel but in hope for mankind. They took with them thousands of miles ‘The best mankind can be’ that is not out in space but deep inside mankind where ever he travels, What ever he does. We are bound by what is in side. We are worth not a penny more or less than the value we put on our selves. These pioneers knew this. God Bless them all.
BlackHawk（鄢家俊）
Posted at 21:57h, 28 AugustDear Buzz
I’m a Chinese high school student.I I always think that you Neil and Mike are hero!Hope Neil rest in peace.And what you did is always will be.God bless
A Chinese fans
BlackHawk
Matt Coe
Posted at 18:46h, 28 AugustI wish there were more unselfish heroes like Buzz and Neil. Neil was committed to doing his job and he did it well. He will be missed.
Jack Johnson
Posted at 18:27h, 28 AugustAppreciated your heartfelt comments on the passing of your Apollo 11 comrade Neil Armstrong. May God bless you and Mike Collins, now and in the future. John 1:25-26.
vince
Posted at 17:19h, 28 Augustreally sad to see the greatest explorer team in earth’s history broken up. hard to imagine how it must be to loose a friend like that buzz. deepest condonlences.
Judy Lynn
Posted at 15:39h, 28 AugustWhat an elegant and beautifully written tribute to Neil Armstrong. Of course, the three of you were heroes and an inspiration to the rest of the world.
Deborah Hart
Posted at 14:53h, 28 AugustWhat a beautiful and fitting tribute sir. May the spirit of Neil fly free throughout the Universe(s)!
Nathan Cain
Posted at 14:34h, 28 AugustWonderful words Buzz. I cannot fathom the emotion and bond that you share with Neil and Mike after your time together “up there”. My two year old daughter loves to look for the moon at night (and day) and calls out when she spots it. I have been teaching her to say “Neil and Buzz” when we look at it together. Thank you for inspiring all of us. True hero’s. RIP Neil.
Anonymous
Posted at 14:16h, 28 AugustWell said Buzz.
RIP Neil
Bob Esp
Posted at 14:12h, 28 AugustA wonderful tribute from a friend to his companion in arms. I am deeply touched with the passing of a great hero. I pray for his peace, and for his loved ones.
Bill
Posted at 13:08h, 28 AugustBeautifully written!
God Bless You, Your Family and The USA.
Peter Gori de Murden
Posted at 13:07h, 28 AugustA sad loss of a real hero. May his spirit of adventure and the quest for space exploration live on forever.
Beverly
Posted at 12:10h, 28 AugustGreetings Dear Buzz, Sir: Sorry to hear of the passing of your dear friend Neil Armstrong…a great American Hero!
Dear Buzz and family…I welcome you to Barry’s Bay, Ontario, Canada…Canada’s lst Polish Settlement, 2.5 hours by car from Ottawa…unless you fly…ha…you could land on Kaminiskeg Lake near my home…off of Siberia Road…if you fly via landing on water…this is also nearby our neighbour’s home, Canada’s lst Polish Test Pilot, Jan Zurakowski and most recently…deceased…Test Pilot…Casmir Shries…Polish translation…different….just to let you know…and you were very good at ‘Dancing With The Stars”…friend of Marc Garneau…from your friend, Beverly, Bev Shalla…007, BA Law, Minors, History & Cdn. Studies…talk to you and God Bless you always!
MARCO MADASCHI
Posted at 11:28h, 28 AugustUN GRANDE CHE SE NE E’ ANDATO . IO ERO SOLO UN RAGAZZINO DI 6 ANNI QUANDO SONO SBARCATI SULLA LUNA MA MI HA DATO UNA ENORME EMOZIONE CHE POI MI HA SEGNATO LA VITA . ADDIO ARMSTRONG E UN SALUTO CALOROSO AD ALDRIN E COLLINS
Dave Barrett
Posted at 11:18h, 28 AugustI was ten years old when this historic event happened. It is only one of many that make me proud to be an American. Mr. Armstrong was truly an iconic American hero as were the crew of Apollo 11. Mr. Armstrong did not seek publicity nor fame for anything he did. Rest in peace Mr. Armstrong and I would like to thank your parents for forming your integrity. Thanks also Mr. Aldrin for your part in history.
bersoult jean jacques
Posted at 11:11h, 28 AugustI who attentendu when Neil javais 12 years, I’ll never see him but I will never forget, to honor this man of character and prestige
jacomus
Erwin Boogaerts
Posted at 10:38h, 28 AugustGod speed, Neil.
Jacki Hill
Posted at 09:50h, 28 AugustA wonderful tribute about one of the few. I am sure, like many, I thought that Moon landings would be commonplace 40+years after that first historic and epic journey. Sadly our greater principles are diluted by fiscal concerns. It was a brave and exciting time and I am pleased and proud to have been one of those that watched whilst Neil made his momentous step for Mankind. As suggested by Arthur C. Clark – Neil is now part of the cosmos, a bright light in our ever expanding Universe, though lost in flesh he will remain in spirit forever.
M Nashid
Posted at 09:31h, 28 AugustWhen Neil, you and Mike “looked back at our brilliant blue planet Earth” on that historic July 20th I am sure you would not have noticed the tiny islands nation of the MALDIVES in the brilliant blue Indian Ocean. I now send condolences and respects to you from the Maldives on Neil’s passing. The moon will be his legend as long as the moon exists until the end of time. The universe will miss him not just the world.
Marisa from Milan
Posted at 09:14h, 28 AugustAlso I remember that day, 20 july 1969 for us in Italy, when Armstrong got off the ladder of the lunar module.
I was 11 years. As a result I have always followed the Space Shuttle missions and now the mission of Curiosity. Thanks!
Mauro
Posted at 09:05h, 28 AugustMr. Aldrin, I will forever be in awe of the expoits of the Apollo program and the brave people who risked everything for the advacement of mankind. Neil Armstrong, as yourself, Mike Collins and all the other astronauts are my hero’s. Godspeed Neil, thank you for your courage and determination and thank you Buzz.
Steve
Posted at 08:49h, 28 AugustI remember Neil Armstrong back in 1969 when as a teenager in England I saw him say those immortal words transmitted live on tv in the small hours , I assumed, and still do I was amoung the first few thousand here to do so.
Rest in peace Neil, you will always be remembered.
Charles Corona
Posted at 07:55h, 28 AugustI remember watching it on Tv , although at that age I truly never understood the dramatic impact that everybody was feeling though growing up, I began understanding the importance & sacrifice your that you & your family made , I look up and feel proud , I work at the Marriott Marquis in NY , working as a bellman at the time , I got a chance to meet Mr. Armstrong shook his hand , he was nice enought to sign a picture , the over welming feeling I had meeting him, was undesribable , my deepest feelings for Mr Armstrong ‘s Family , & His Friends , As an a American , Serve 8 years in the reserve’s & with two boys that are in the Navy , just like to send my deepest Respect ,
Charles Corona
Concierge
NY Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway NY 10036
Charles.corona@marriott.com/c67662@gmail.com
teresalynnjohnson
Posted at 07:29h, 28 AugustI am almost fifty years old, and you and Neil have been my heroes for as long as I can remember… If anyone asked me what is American to me, it would not just be baseball, apple pie, and Chevrolet …It would be Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin as well…. You are a fine Man..May you continue to be Blessed indeed! Love, Teresa
BambisMusings
Posted at 07:10h, 28 AugustI too remember that day very well. I was 6 yrs old and I talk about it on my blog post today:
bambismusings.wordpress.com/2012/08/28/neil-armstrong-rest-in-peace-you-will-be-missed/
Thank you Buzz for writing this article about your friend. My thoughts are with you and Neil’s other friends and his family.
Pingback:Neil Armstrong – Rest in Peace – You will be missed! « LilBambi’s Blog – BambisMusings
Posted at 07:07h, 28 August[…] passing and his thoughts regarding the Apollo 11 mission and how he felt on the Moon on his own website: Whenever I look at the moon I am reminded of that precious moment, over four decades ago, when Neil […]
Garry Peebles
Posted at 05:20h, 28 AugustIt was the 21st July here in Australia and it was my 10th Birthday, I remember that day well. We all did projects on the Apollo 11 mission, there was such a buzz around the school yard that day. I left school at lunch time and walked home. as it was a Monday, to watch you and Neil walk on the Moon. A day in my life I will never ever forget…. I have no doubht that where ever Neil is he is catching up with and having a yarn with Gus, Roger, Ed, Pete and all of the Astronauts who are no longer with us.
Vale Neil Armstrong
linda
Posted at 05:01h, 28 AugustHi Buzz.
Just read the news about Neil. Sorry to hear about the passing over of Neil. I think what you all did was amazing I will never forget it! May his soul rest in peace and in beauty.
I lost my Mum due to cancer in 2012 and she donated her body for research at Cambridge hospital. I am sure we watched you guys up there together.
I love walking in the Peak District in Derbyshire and walked there in the rain yesterday. I have been wanting children for years and despite lots of time invested in holistic treatments and hospital appointments am still childless.
It’s hard but walking in fairly difficult but beautifulterrain gives me a purpose and who knows maybe one day..
I will look at the moon and remember. wishing you strength and love for always..
Jan R.Zelinski
Posted at 04:07h, 28 AugustI was 5 years old…when Neil and Buzz was step on e the Monn…a History Moment for all ! Mike said…Neil is the Best….absoluty ! Good Speed Neil !
from Freiberg
Germany
Luigi Pizzimenti
Posted at 03:49h, 28 AugustBuzz courage, will be missed.
Rest in Peace Neil
Max E. Bertholf. MD
Posted at 02:59h, 28 AugustThanks, Buzz, for that wonderful tribute to the first man to set foot upon the moon surface, just before you did the same. I watched every move you made on TV from a motel south of Washington DC, as I was returning from a Philadelphia Medical Meeting, and HAD to stop to see this moment in history. In this photo Neil appears to be seated in from of an organ console filled with stops, with sheet music overhead! It would have been very appropriate to play the music of Albert Sweitzer for the occasion.