On this day, July 16th 1969, we were “GO” for launch – and at precisely 13:32 UTC, #Apollo11 lifted off from @NASAKennedy to transport three mortal Americans – Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and myself – to the Moon. The hard work, dedication and focus across the entire @NASA enterprise came down to this – even though it was only the beginning of our journey. But as Walter Cronkite remarked at the time, “The dawn of this day heralded the dawning of a new age. It’s a time of exhilaration, reflection, hope, fulfillment – as a centuries’ old dream starts toward reality.”
Just watching the news. I’ve circulated the world non-stop for over 40 years and met people I like, admire, trust, respect, adore, and love. Others I dislike, mistrust, and don’t respect. Gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality, or for that matter education and profession, are never the defining factor either way. We are endlessly privileged and responsible to live on the only known inhabited planet of billions in the endless galaxies, why do we threaten, hurt, maim, and kill each other? Live and let live I would say, realising it’s totally wishful thinking.
Spare a thought for Dan Burn’s Dad. He wrote this open letter to him before the League Cup Final Newcastle lost back in 2023.
Today, he’s seen his son score the opener to help Newcastle win their first trophy since the Fairs Cup in 1969.