Neil Armstrong remembered by John Glenn, NASA head
Top NASA officials and former astronauts praised the late Neil Armstrong on Saturday, saying he made a major mark on space exploration.
"When I think of Neil, I think of someone who for our country was dedicated enough to dare greatly," John Glenn, the the first American to orbit the Earth, said in an interview with the Associated Press. "He showed a skill and dedication that was just exemplary. I'll miss him not only for that but just as a close personal friend."
NASA administrator Charles Bolden added in a statement: "As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them. Besides being one of America's greatest explorers, Neil carried himself with grace and humility that was an example to us all."
Armstrong
became the first person to set foot on the moon, on July 20, 1969, when
he said: "That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind."
The grainy black-and-white television images
of him taking his first lunar stroll were watched by an estimated 600
million people worldwide — and firmly established him as one of the
great heroes of the 20th century.
Armstrong, who had heart surgery in early August, died Saturday in Cincinnati at 82, said NASA spokesman Bob Jacobs. The cause was complications from cardiovascular procedures, his family announced.
PHOTOS: Neil Armstrong | 1930-2012
He was never comfortable with celebrity he saw as an accident of
fate, for stepping on the moon ahead of fellow astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin. The reticent, self-effacing Armstrong would shun the spotlight for much of the rest of his life.
In a rare public appearance, in 2000, Armstrong cast himself in another
light: "I am, and ever will be, a white-sock, pocket-protector, nerdy
engineer."
President Obama said in a statement: "Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Neil Armstrong."
"Neil was among the greatest of American heroes -- not just of his time, but of all time. When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation.
PHOTOS: Neil Armstrong dead at 82
"They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable -- that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. And when Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten.
"Today, Neil's spirit of discovery lives on in all the men and women who have devoted their lives to exploring the unknown -- including those who are ensuring that we reach higher and go further in space. That legacy will endure -- sparked by a man who taught us the enormous power of one small step."
Neil Armstrong’s loved ones said they were “heartbroken” to share the
news that the former astronaut and first person to step foot on the moon
had died Saturday of complications from heart surgery. Armstrong was 82.
“Neil
was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend,” the
family statement said. “As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always
appreciated the expressions of goodwill from people around the world
and from all walks of life.
“While we mourn the loss of a very
good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves
as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make
their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits,
and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.
“For
those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple
request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and
the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling
down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”
ALSO:
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Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on the moon, is dead at 82
-- Times staff writers
Photo: Neil Armstrong. Credit: NASA
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