The world lost a true hero and gentleman yesterday that history will never forget.
I remember as a young lad staying up all night (on my own!) glued to the BBC television station watching the Apollo 11 mission unfold as the lunar module landed on the Moon followed later by Neil Armstrong stepped onto the surface to issue those immortal words, "One small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind".
It was one of the greatest technology achievements ever in human
history as 'Science Fiction' metamorphosed into 'Science Reality'.
For a real sense of the excitement of this space mission for those who watched it in 1969, check out
http://tnw.co/NOk1qn
Some young folk like me thought then that visits by earthlings to other planets would soon follow, and that the taste of astro science and technology would bring warring humanity to its senses, as we realised that our planet was only an insignificant grain of sand on the vast beach that was the Universe, which could disappear in an instant due to some stellar mishap or to our own stupidity. We hoped therefore that this realisation might bring peace to the world, as all races, sexes and religions/no religions would reconcile their differences, show respect, implement equality, make peace and work together as a global nation a la 'Star Trek' to explore and seek out new galaxies.
Sadly, it was not to be.
But it was a lovely dream to have and, you never know, it might happen to humanity sometime in the future.
So thank you Neil Armstrong for giving me and others this dream.
His family issued a lovely statement in his memory that is worth sharing with you,
"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."
So eloquent.
Finally, click here to view my article on Star Trek and how this children's television series that originated from the 1960s gave so many of the technologies that we use today. A very good example of how the dreams and imagination of youth can and did appear in the real world
For a real sense of the excitement of this space mission for those who watched it in 1969, check out
http://tnw.co/NOk1qn
Some young folk like me thought then that visits by earthlings to other planets would soon follow, and that the taste of astro science and technology would bring warring humanity to its senses, as we realised that our planet was only an insignificant grain of sand on the vast beach that was the Universe, which could disappear in an instant due to some stellar mishap or to our own stupidity. We hoped therefore that this realisation might bring peace to the world, as all races, sexes and religions/no religions would reconcile their differences, show respect, implement equality, make peace and work together as a global nation a la 'Star Trek' to explore and seek out new galaxies.
Sadly, it was not to be.
But it was a lovely dream to have and, you never know, it might happen to humanity sometime in the future.
So thank you Neil Armstrong for giving me and others this dream.
His family issued a lovely statement in his memory that is worth sharing with you,
"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."
So eloquent.
Finally, click here to view my article on Star Trek and how this children's television series that originated from the 1960s gave so many of the technologies that we use today. A very good example of how the dreams and imagination of youth can and did appear in the real world
No comments:
Post a Comment