I learned of Mr. Armstrong’s death this afternoon as I was on my computer break all day yesterday. He died from complications from a heart surgery, he was 82.
I felt a sudden loss of words reading that the first man on the moon has now passed on. Though I hadn’t been born on July 20, 1969, I had always been fascinated by that event and real-life heroes like Mr. Armstrong.
“That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Who could forget those words. Though Armstrong later admitted that he missed the ‘a’ in the sentence, I think we all know what he meant and those famous words certainly still gives me goosebumps!
Mr. Armstrong even made a cameo on Apollo 13, one of my favorite historical dramas directed by Ron Howard based on the ill-fated 13th Apollo mission bound for the moon. Unfortunately, I couldn’t embed the exact clip here but you can watch it on the metacafe site. It’s an awesome scene where all the families of the astronauts, played by Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise and Bill Paxton, gather in front of the TV to watch the moonwalk. It’s a great scene, and boy don’t I wish I were right there with them watching Walter Cronkite expresses his amazement at the pictures from the Moon and Armstrong stepping down from the ladder. In that very moment Armstrong spoke those words LIVE on TV, the camera zooms in on Hanks’ face and you just knew how significant that historical moment meant to him… and the rest of us. I love this movie, great performances all around, including in supporting roles from Kathleen Quinlan and Ed Harris.
So for this edition of music break, I thought it’d be appropriate to highlight the astounding music from that film, composed by James Horner. I had planned on showcasing this Oscar-nominated score at some point anyway, so here it is as part of my small tribute to Mr. Armstrong.
Per People.com, Armstrong’s family requested that people do this to honor Neil… “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.”
We sure will, Mr. Armstrong. May you rest in peace.
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What’s your fondest memory of the first walk on the Moon? Do you like Apollo 13 and its music?
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What I loved most about Neil Armstrong was how humble he was, how private, and how he never went to absurd lengths to cash in or seek fame because of his place in history. I find that unbelievably commendable. Midwestern values through and through.
I know people are calling for a state funeral for him and, yet, I can’t help but feel Mr. Armstrong would want the exact opposite.
Hi Nick! You are absolutely right, his humility is definitely the most inspiring of all about him. Even for such an accomplishment, he remained baffled of his fame, even his death seemed to be low key considering his amazing accomplishment. Yes I think you’re right that he’d perhaps prefer a more close-knit funeral of family/friends would’ve suited his style more. Now he’s a true legend.
Yeah it’s a sad news that he’s longer with us, RIP Mr. Armstrong.
I’m actually not a big fan of Apollo 13, it was well made but I never got into the movie. I remember seeing it in theater and got bored with it. Then a few years later I watched it again and I liked it better the second time around but never was really involved in the story. Good score by James Horner though.
Indeed Ted, he’s the real hero amongst us mere mortals. There are some slow moments in the movie but overall I thought it was interesting.
Sad to see him go too
I need to rewatch Apollo 13. Don’t really remember it
I feel like I need to rewatch it too, I remember being quite taken by it.
RIP Neil Armstrong. An American legend. Fitting score Ruth. I remember watching Apollo 13 as a kid and I was entranced. Haven’t seen the movie in many years though.
You said it Castor, a legend, and not just American I think, he represents the entire mankind when he was on the moon 🙂 I’m sure a lot of people are rewatching that movie this weekend.
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Nice tribute Ruth, good call. Sad passing.
It’s rare you can truly call someone a historical figure, but he’ll go down in history with the great explorers. As long as there are people, his name will be remembered…
Thanks Fogs. Indeed, a historical figure AND a true hero. His legacy will live on for sure.
Btw, I thought you’d put Apollo 13 as this week’s Movie Everyone Should See post 🙂
Meh. I wonder how they decided who would step on the Moon first. Drew straws? I’m not sure I feel the same sorrow anyone else would feel towards the passing of Neil Armstrong. I just think he was a talented pilot who was able to partake in a historic event.
Wow, I certainly did not expect such a surly response. Regardless how you feel about Mr. Armstrong, one can’t deny his accomplishments. I think all three astronauts accomplished something great that day, it was by no means a small feat.
A great man and, indeed, a true hero. Must rewatch Apollo 13 soon.
Indeed Josh, glad to hear you recognize what a true hero is.
I wasn’t born when it happened either and we take space travel sort of for granted now but I think it required a lot of courage to do what Armstrong did. Scientists, engineers, etc. could make educated guesses about what it would be like and how it would happen, but the three astronauts were the ones who actually went on the mission, and Armstrong is the one who took the step.
Yes indeed Paula, courage, intelligence, determination, and not to mention physical strength to undergo such training. The fact that they even landed there is quite a feat in itself. I think even astronauts today still have great respect for Mr. Armstrong and his two colleagues.
Beautiful post and a great tribute. Nice one, Ruth! 🙂
Thanks Fernando.
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A very nice tribute Ruth. It was sad that he passed on and always great to think on the man and his awesome level of humility.