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Tribute to Armstrong at Kennedy Space Center


Several hundred people including NASA employees, former astronauts and members of the public gathered at Kennedy Space Center to remember Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, who died last Saturday at age 82. KSC director and former astronaut Bob Cabana paid tribute to a man he called a truly great American and a personal hero.

The brief ceremony took place in the lunar theater, next door to a Saturn V rocket like the one that launched from Kennedy in July 1969, sending Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins on their historic mission to the moon.

Standing next to a wreath and photo of the Apollo 11 commander in front of a replica of the lunar module, Cabana said Armstrong was an astronaut of the highest caliber.

He said Armstrong never dwelled on his remarkable accomplishments or sought the limelight.

“He was a teacher with a passion for aeronautics and space exploration, who wanted to share his knowledge and his experience and see us continue to be a world leader in this area.” 

Cabana said Armstrong’s small step for man cemented his place in our hearts and history for ever- but it was just the start of a long journey in the continued quest for space exploration.

A private memorial service for Armstrong was held in Ohio.

 

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