roberthayne6: Astronaut Neil Armstrong Dead At 82 (Photos/Video)

Sonntag, 26. August 2012

Astronaut Neil Armstrong Dead At 82 (Photos/Video)

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the Moon, has died at the age of 82.

The retired astronaut passed away on Saturday at a Columbus, Ohio hospital after suffering from complications of a surgery he had earlier this month for blocked coronary arteries.

Armstrong made history on July 20, 1969 when he stepped from the Apollo 11′s Lunar Module onto the face of the Moon.

Neil is known for his famous statement, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”.

He was then followed by his fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and together the pair spent three hours exploring the surface of the Moon.

Armstrong began his air travel as a young boy, and went on to fly fighter jets in the Korean war in the 1950s before joining the space program in 1962.

Armstrong receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011.

The Armstrong family issued a statement that reads:

“We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.

“Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

“Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati.

“He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.

“As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will 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.”