The historic moment almost 40 years ago when man first set foot on the Moon had enormous impact on those who watched, often inspiring them to pursue space or science careers.
This is the picture painted by the more than 100 recollections of the Apollo 11 Moon landing being published on the Space Foundation's website this week and next.
The brief comments come from a wide range of people, including the governor of Nebraska, the former head of the European Space Agency, teachers, scientists, artists, pilots, homemakers, and even some young people who submitted memories from parents and grandparents.
The historic event was on July 20, 1969, when Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface – the first humans to do so. Crewmate Michael Collins piloted the Command Module during the historic mission.
The most common themes found in the recollections are pride, awe and inspiration to pursue scientific careers. The most common viewing scenario was a group of family and friends gathered around a small black-and-white television set – in locales as diverse as an urban apartment, a Boy Scout Jamboree, a remote military base, or a youth hostel.
The Space Foundation began soliciting for memories in early July and has thus far received more than 100 brief snippets. Each weekday, a new group is posted on the Space Foundation's website, with the previous postings still available to be read.
"The Apollo program had a tremendous impact on the United States," said Space Foundation Chief Executive Officer Elliot Pulham.
"It built national pride and, more importantly, it influenced a whole generation of children to study hard to become scientists, engineers and astronauts. We could use another program like that today to jumpstart the economy and reverse the disturbing trend of falling U.S. student proficiency in math and science."
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