Where were you when Apollo flew?

Chris Jackson — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:49:29 GMT

I was six months old at the time. So I guess I also was sitting in front of the TV, but was likely sucking on my mothers breast at the time.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Susan Hirshman, Fort Myers, FL — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:50:24 GMT

I was in New Jersey at my parents house with my husband, brand new baby, cousins and my mother and grandmother. It was getting late and my grandmother ( in her 70's) decided that she was not staying up to watch neil Armstrong walk on the moon. . She said that "Man had no business playing around in space anyway. It would only ruin the weather." I still think about her commemtn whenever I read an article about global warming or other problems that relate to weather changes.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Keith B, Charlotte, NC — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:52:33 GMT

July 20th, perhaps?

[ALAN ADDS: Yes, my fingers misfired and I wrote "June 20" instead of July 20. Ugh! Keith, you were the first one to call my attention to that, and for that you deserve an Apollo book ... Please get in touch with me at alan-dot-boyle-at-msnbc-dot-com to find out what I have available. I think I'll forgo publishing all the other messages calling attention to my error. :-( Maybe I should go back to the farm after all...]

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave--Alabama — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:54:26 GMT

I was between my junior and senior years in high school when Apollo 11 flew. I had a scrapbook with clippings from every flight starting with Mercury 1.Some people thought it was a little goofy to keep a scrapbook in high school,but now I wish I knew what happened to it. We used to get to watch every launch in school,and when Apollo 11 landed,I dont think anyone was NOT watching. We need that kind of public enthusiasm again if we are ever to equal or match the Mercury,Gemini and Apollo programs!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

California Girl, Laguna Beach CA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:58:03 GMT

I was five. I was at the neighbor's house in Corona Del Mar (CA) because they had just bought a new TV - one of those huge console style...all us neighborhood kids were sitting on the floor watching the moon landing.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Janet Fischer, Portland OR — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:00:05 GMT

I was about 9 years old and glued to the TV watching in fascination! All the space flights back then were really interesting to watch and I still would/will if they showed more on TV!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Keith, Willingboro, New Jersey — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:02:00 GMT

I was an awe struck 16 year old enamored with the 60s' US Space Program on that July Night. I spent that night watching TV and listening to Short Wave radio to get the world response. Those heady, can do days that was predominant in the US motivated and inspired me and others to embrace technology.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Peter Portland, OR — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:09:53 GMT

I was attending the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Idaho, the landing was projected on a large screen, and an Astronaut (Borman?) was there speaking to the hordes of scouts. A heckuva a memory!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bill Fisher, Phoenix, AZ — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:14:28 GMT

I was sitting outdoors with several hundred guys who were in Air Force basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio. The TI's had set up several television sets outside and we could look at the pictures on the screen and look up at a the moon in the night sky.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Joe C, Las Vegas Nv — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:21:01 GMT

I was 7 years old watching it at our home in Wheaton, IL. I also remember those terrible black and white images and I kept asking "Where are they? I don't see them." I also couldn't understand why it was taking so long for them to open the hatch and get down the ladder as if it were a trip to the beach where you fling the door open and go running. I was as excited about the space program as a kid could be. Today I can't get my 9 year old excited about anything but video games.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Joanne Presson, Jamestown, Ca. — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:22:11 GMT

I was out to dinner celebrating my anniversary. The bar in the restaurant had the TV turn to the news and we watched Neil Armstrong while we waited for our dinner.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

claire marling west warwick ri — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:28:35 GMT

I was in the back of a Greyhound bus heading home to RI from Michigan. someone had a radio on and we were listening to the unfolding story about the men landing on the moon. ever since then, when July 20th rolls around, I say to my daughters "did I ever tell you what I was doing on this date...." and, of course they laugh and say "yes, Mom!"

Where were you when Apollo flew?

steve smyth — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:30:03 GMT

I have told this story before...but I love it.
The day Neil Armstrong set foot on the Moon, I arrived in California for the first time after a classic late 60s cross country road trip in a Simca...they would be a big hit today...almost as small as today's mini-vehicles...with an engine that couldn't push the car faster than 50 mph under any conditions...the all night drive across Route 66 was absolutely terrifying with Big Rigs sucking us almost under their trailer with every pass...in either direction...and jackrabbits as tall as the car everywhere.
My sidekick, The Mole, had a sister in San Francisco... living the radical revolutionary existence.
The car was hers.
The piles of boxes and other personal belongings filling every inch not occupied by The Mole and I, were hers as well...delivery road trip.
The first thing we did upon reaching the Pacific at Huntington Beach was park, and run like madmen to the water.
It was early AM, and the beach was empty for as far as one could see in either direction...a long stretch of empty beach...perfect for a couple of East Coast boys with surfer fantasies...all to ourselves until the crowds arrived.
What I failed to notice in all the excitement were red flags atop all the empty lifeguard stands...on whiplike shafts all bending severely toward the water.
Riptide Warnings!
I immediately swam out about 100 yards and waited to body surf back to shore on waves that were pure fantasy for an Atlantic Ocean guy...picturing myself stuck out from the front of the wave wall, speeding to shore, I swam full tilt up, forward, and grabbed my first wave.
The power was incredible, but things were going OK.
Suddenly, the face of the wave crashed down, turned under itself and swept me out like being flushed.
When I got back to the surface, I was more than 100 yards out, and in the middle of roller after roller developing pre-break.
In all honesty, I still wasn't really aware of the seriousness...between the rollers was not bad...rest up...and swim for all it's worth to shore atop the waves.
OOOPS!!!
By the time I reached shore, after crawling along the bottom, uphill toward shore, with sand and gravel ripping beneath me in the opposite direction, I looked like hamburger from head to toe, and was as close to a last gasp as I ever want to be.
There were sharp pebbles the size of green peas stuck into my skin...my hands looked like the loser in a battle over a handful of broken glass...but, I made it.
The late edition of the LA Times had MAN ON MOON in three inch block letters for their headline...with '1500 rescued in riptide' above the masthead...a flotilla of local vessels were sitting offshore, awaiting swept away floaters and got 'em all.
I've tried to get LA Times to dig into their archive a few times with no luck...anyone got pull with LA Times?...it must be there somewhere...sure would be nice to have a copy.
The day ended with Yours Truly staring up at ol' Neil and feeling plenty of empathy for the tenuous situation he faced...I got to identify with the guys on the Moon.
YIPES!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Richard B. Ellenberger, Normandy Park, Wa. — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:35:29 GMT

In July, 1969, I was a Marine PFC in Vietnam when Neil Armstrong first set his foot on the lunar surface. At the time, because of my circumstances, I didn't even realize Apollo 11 was headed to the moon. (An aside: in bootcamp during the 1968 presidential election we were so isolated that the Drill Instructors were able to convince us that George Wallace had been elected. We wouldn't have known any different.) What was amazing to me about the moon landing was not that we had succeeded but that several fellow Marines thought it was all a hoax.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

jerry martin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:38:09 GMT

I can't belive it has been 40 years. Lets go back!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Laurie Heupel — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:38:50 GMT

I was 10 years old and glued to the TV watching the mission. I wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up and loved science. I remember that the house was hot as it mid summer and I didn't care I wanted to see the man walk on the moon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Lyle W. La Faver — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:39:37 GMT

I was a journalist in San Diego, Calfironia,then. I remember being astounded to realize there were actually men on the moon. As a member of Sigma Delta Chi, I was priviledged to see footage of the first orbit around the moon. A NASA official showed the footage at a Sigma Delta Chi dinnner. He was taking the film to President Nixon at his San Clemente White House. As fantastic as that was, it wasn't quite as spell binding as the actual moon landing. That was dramatic as the lander almost ran out of fuel searching for a flat landing zone. I wish we had kept sending man to the moon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Cecil Williams, Pullman, Washington — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:41:44 GMT

The appliance section at K-mart.
Major appliances, stereos and TV's;
Two or three walls full of TV's.
Attention, K-mart shoppers!
I was just fifteen years old
on that strange, wonderful day
of July 20th, 1969...
People from all over the store
wandered over to major appliances
to stand, like so many mannequins
watching walls of tv's...
The same surreal drama
playing out on every channel.
It seemed ethereal, eternal,
as we stood there watching,
nearly paralyzed; forgetting to breath;
and finally... finally, Neal spoke.
A great CHEER went up
from the K-mart crowd
and I remember shuddering
as a tear of pride for my country
rolled down my cheek:

"Houston, Tranquility Base Here"
"The Eagle has landed"

****************************
Cecil Williams 8/31/92

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Brother Wayne, Paso Robles, CA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:44:57 GMT

Uh...Houston...we have a problem...

It was JULY 20, 1969 (not JUNE 20), that Neil Armstrong took that one small step/giant leap.

Best regards,
Brother Wayne

P.S. Hey, that's a pretty good trick...I was just about to send this when I noticed you corrected the date. :-)

P.S. I remember the same grainy black and white images of the Saturn V rockets launching and especially the blasts from the stages separating. Cool stuff before today's flip phones which look like what Captain Kirk used!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

John Herrmann, bellingham WA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:45:11 GMT

I was 25, called in sick, and watched every minute. Took several black and white photos as it happened that I developed and printed in my bathroom that evening.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

abby, temple, tx — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:55:24 GMT

Where was I? Totally clued to our TV in awe. Young and hopeful, I was so enthralled with the space program and believed that the future had no bounds.

I along with many others in my generation were filled with the wonder of it.

I watch avidly even today whenever there is news of our efforts in space.

It reminds me of the wonderful promise of America -- what we are capable of doing....

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bill Jones, Denver, CO — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:59:07 GMT

I was 12 years old. I lived in La Jolla, CA. That evening I was riding my bike up and down the street. I would periodically check in to see what was going on. I finally watched the landing. It was exciting.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

kip carter — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:04:04 GMT

My wife and I were in Rotterdam Holland that day. We were in a hotel lobby and could hear it on the owners TV but he never invited us behind the check-in area so that we could see it. It left a slightly bad feeling with me about the Dutch ever since

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jay B., Southfield, MI — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:07:59 GMT

We were at the Grand Canyon, looking through the campsites to find someone with a TV set (we could hear everything on the radio, but wanted to SEE!)

Finally found an Airstream trailer whose owner could pick up a station 40 miles away. It was showing "Rat Patrol" reruns. At the time the astronauts climbed down, a TV announcer came on, saying: "We interrupt this show to announce that Man Has Walked on the Moon. Now, back to our show."

Grump!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Larry French — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:10:00 GMT

I was at the Boy Scout National Jamboree in Farragut, Idaho. We gathered that night in a tent to which temporary power had been provided. The TV was crowded by a mass of young boys, amazingly quiet given the usual unbridled energy of such a group. After they landed, I remember pulling back the flap on the tent and walking out into the wilderness with the sky alive with stars. I can't remember if the moon was visible that night, but my spine tingled with the very thought of man going to the moon.

Years later, my professional career as a lighting designer took me to the NASA Visitors Center. Part of our work was to light the Apollo 17 spacecraft. The sheer guts of the men who flew those spacecraft was never so clear as when you get up close, the spacecraft looks like a thin shell. The very close quarters also give you pause when you realize those guys were in there for 13 days. What a glorious achievment that was.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Frank, New Castle, PA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:11:06 GMT

I was taking my draft physical after graduating from college. The war was still going on.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Paul Robinson, Jr. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:16:58 GMT

I was 20 years old, had just been accepted to medical school and was working that summer at school. I had met this incredible girl [...]. We were in the shower "exploring mysteries without any clues" when we finally had enough and came out to see Neil Armstrong take a big hop down unto the moon's surface.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave Schaff Truckee, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:18:30 GMT

For an exceptional remembrance, please refer to:

http://www.stanfordalumni.org/
travelswithrico/41MoonLandPrag.htm

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Richard, Apple Valley, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:22:06 GMT

I was at the Circle B Boy Scout camp in the Sierras with no TV. I have incredibly vivid memories of looking up at the moon that night with a sense of awe and wonder!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

John Goode, Bandera, Texas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:26:53 GMT

Glued to the TV like so many others. I believe this landing was on Sunday, but I took personal vacation to watch all Apollo launches, moon landings and return to earth. As an engineer I dreamed of joining NASA, but never did. I did design and build telemetry systems for early AMSAT (Amateur Satellite) missions, so at least my fingerprints made it to space!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Thomas Ashby — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:27:31 GMT

Funny..I can't remember. Probably sitting in the living room at 3 AM watching because I do have a memory of watching it. I certainly remember my situation for JFK, Elvis and John Lennon off hand.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Donn W. Anderson, Dallas, Oregon — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:28:00 GMT

I was one of the million or so people who traveled to Florida to actually witness the launch of Apollo 11. It was a spectacle I will never forget. During the actual first step onto the moon, I was on duty at Los Angeles International Airport. We rigged up a small black and white TV at our Customer Service desk where for a few short moments, it seemed as if time stood still. Absolute silence reigned. The magnitude of what we were actually witnessing was almost too much to take in. Driving home that night, the moon seemed like a completely different place to me. Knowing that two Americans we actually on that moon was a transformational moment. I took my whole family to Florida to witness the last launch to the moon: Apollo 17. That was the one and only night launch and remains to this day one of the most awe inspiring visual experience of my life. Only my wife and I traveled back to the cape to witness the launch of STS-1, the dawn of an entirely new area in space travel. I am conflicted about the potential cost of the Constellation program with its two Ares rockets. It seems counterproductive to be going back to the moon. If it was up to me, Mars would be the target. In many ways, the future of our species involves not only getting our impact on this planet under control, but possible terraforming of our nearest potentially habitable planet.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

ce, buffalo, NY — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:28:12 GMT

I was 5 and my mom woke me up so I could watch this on TV. Being 5 I was a little confused and remember thinking they did this sort of thing all the time...right?

wrong. and I'm super thankful my mom woke me up that "night" (I'm thinking it probably wasn't that late but I had an early bedtime back then)

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Thomas Ashby — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:28:58 GMT

...Oh and sure remember the living room scene when The Beatles were on Ed Sullivan in 1964.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Harmon Everett, Houston, TX — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:32:12 GMT

I went to Camp Northwoods Boy Scout camp in Northern Michigan the previous two weeks as a camper, and had been chosen to stay over as a Junior camp counselor for the next two weeks. Someone brought out a television set and put it up in front of the fireplace in the big mess hall, and the staff and as many Scoutmasters as could get away from their troops were in the mess hall watching the flickering black and white images of the Moon landing.
As Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin prepared for the first Moonwalk, a troop arrived at the camp very late at night and had to be taken to their campsite in the dark. Their campsite was a primitive camp, on the other side of the lake - not one of the regular troop campsites within easy walking distance. Someone had to row the troop across the lake in the dark in a rowboat, and I pulled the short straw.
I had to make several trips to get all of the scouts and their gear across, but I remember rowing in the dark and looking up at the Moon thinking that there were Americans walking up there while I was down in a boat in the middle of the lake. In between trips, I would stop by and watch Armstrong and Aldrin on the Moon for a few moments, and then go back to the boat to make another trip.
For a long while I resented not being able to watch the entire Moonwalk on the television, but now I remember the contrast that watching the Moon from the middle of the lake provided as interludes to watching the Moonwalk on television, and feel the perspective I gained was special, and well worth it.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

David Clemo, Grand Rapids MI — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:34:14 GMT

I was 19 years old, station at a remote Air Force station in Alaska, defending the country from the Soviet (Russian) hordes (should they decide to invade). We didn't have TV, communication with the "outside world" was limited, so we kind of heard about the landing after the fact.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bud Cowan, Scotts Valley, Ca — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:39:09 GMT

I was nine years and attending a California Angels baseball game in Anaheim. I remember that a young Oakland A's star, Reggie Jackson, hit a grand slam home run in one of the games of a double header. The landing on the moon was announced on the scoreboard.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave Robertson, Jr., Chicago — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:46:20 GMT

I was 16, having grown up with the space program. On July 20 I was an Eagle Scout and attending the Boy Scouts National Jamboree at Farragut State Park, on Lake Pend Orielle, Idaho. the landing occurred in the late afternoon. At that time the 50,000+ scouts and leaders were spread around the Park at their campsites, cooking dinner. many guys had transistor radios, all of which were turned up loud. all activity stopped as we listened to the announcements of the descent. As soon as we heard "Houston, the Eagle has landed", a huge cheer from all 50,000+ went up from all around the Park, echoing off the hills, for several minutes. At a campfire assembly later that night, an astronaut flew around the big natural bowl in a jet pack [the Jetsons come to life!] while thousands of flashbulbs went off [remember the Instamatic?], lighting up the bowl. A great day.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dr Ivan Bishop — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:46:58 GMT

i was 5, in victoria hospital in kirkcaldy fife Scotland. O'd been hit by a speeding motorist on june 24th 1969 ouside my parents home, the day before my younger brothers birthday.

I listened to the landing. My eyes were bandaged. Still remember it like yesterday. Ive been a fan of ALL space programs my whole life. We either explore or we die as a species. That simple.

Humbled by the men and women who have designed and flown the missions the world over. They deserve our respect and thanks for showing just what humans can do if they put aside the 'petty'.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Lina, Santa Barbara, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:49:50 GMT

I was 12 years old and had just arrived in Rome Italy on vacation with my family, when then the lunar landing took place. I watched it all on the TV in the bar lounge of the Hotel Fiume,with the astronauts words translated to Italian! The Italians were wonderful and celebrated both the landing and my American family as visitors. When we later arrived at a campsite on Lago di Garda the other campers stuck an American flag in the beach sand on our behalf. It was a trip and moment I'll never forget.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Linda Mele, Torrance, California — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:51:04 GMT

I was an 8-year-old girl riding home from a day at Hermosa Beach in California and we were listening to the voices from the moon on our car radio. I looked up at the moon and asked my Dad how far away it was, because I wanted to know if I could see the astronauts and the capsule. I realized I could not see over 200,000 miles because I had journeyed by train from California to Ohio the previous year, and therefore knew what a mere 2,000 miles looked like. I spent the rest of the night looking at the moon, visualizing how far into space the astronauts had traveled, 100 times from California to Ohio.

That little girl grew up to be an aerospace engineer. I spent 17 years working on satellites before I changed careers after time off with the kids. When the Mars Rover landed 35 years after the moon landing, I was astounded to see color photos from Mars mere hours after landing, wireless on my laptop, so much more advanced than the 1960's car radio voices from the moon. As I gushed on about it, my 13-year-old daughter said "That's a big deal for people your age, isn't it?" I laughed and said "Yes. Yes it is. It should be a big deal for everyone. It's amazing."

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Clayton Nash, Dallas, Texas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:51:59 GMT

I was a 12 year old in Kansas who thought it was amazing. I am sure this helped send me off to an engineering degree...

However, the really big thing was not when or where you watched, but the attitude of the time. I, at least, felt like anything was possible, and I think many others felt the same way. This appeared to be only the beginning of space exploration, there was much more to come. From what I can tell this was a national, and maybe international phenomenon, the idea that humanity could eventually do anything and go anywhere, even far into space. It was not that there were not problems on earth, there were; but there was a future - an exciting and amazing future.

We appear to have lost some of that excitement as a country and/or world. Maybe the loss is due to how much progress has been made, communications on earth today is often better than 1960's science fiction. Or maybe we have lost track of what the entire world could do if we focused on a clear goal. I don't have an answer, but we need to be excited and interested in exploring new worlds, and going where no one has gone before. We don't know where it will lead, but we will grow and progress as a world only if we move forward.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Muzaffar H. Khan.Saint Paul,MN. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:53:12 GMT

I was in medical school at that time,and was listening to BBC,THE time was almost midnight.I was so scared that how aman can lend on a moon,but finally I,heared that mission was accomplished.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

George Jeffcott, Eugene, Oregon — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:56:47 GMT

I had just returned from two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in a very rural village in India. I had lived for two years with no English speakers, no television, no radio, no running water, no bathroom, and certainly no air conditioning. I was used to riding two wheeled bullock carts. So, there I was sitting on a sofa in a cool house with a cold beer as I watched the landing on the moon. Needless to say, I was future shocked like few have ever been.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Kevin, Sunnyvale, CA (was Berkeley, CA in 1969) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:56:55 GMT

All the kids in the neighborhood (I was 10) gathered around the black and white TV in my house for the launch and three days later we were gathered around the black and white TV at Sherry's house (halfway down the black). I remember how mesmerizing it was. Even at that young age we got the significance of someone walking on the moon. It was such a defining event I've come to consider someone to be "young" if they missed this event.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

split — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:58:28 GMT

I was a sperm in my Dad's testicle and an egg in my Mom's ovary!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

John Rogers, Houston Texas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:00:30 GMT

I was a 9 years old living in Newport News Va. My dad had just come back from a 2nd tour of Vietnam safely (it would be many years until I understood the real danger and accomplishment there). I had watched the Gemini launches intently and was already sure I wanted to be an astronaut when I saw the landing that early morning in 1969. Later I learned my corrected vision would keep me from being a fighter pilot, then test pilot, then astronaut. The space program gave me a keen interest in all kinds of technology, eventually leading me to study electrical engineering and computers which lead to a career in oil exploration in Houston. Oil and Space have long been linked in Houston. I did get a chance to fulfill part of my dream when I joined the Nasa Shuttle program as a sub-contractor in 1990 on the GPC subsystem. Watching HW you have worked on fly and being part of that launch team...there's nothing like it. There are countless other engineers like me whose first inklings of a career came from watching these flights in the '60s. The USA needs these programs. As you know, We Americans NEED that last frontier...

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Forrest Bennett, Memphis, TN — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:04:50 GMT

I was six years old at the time and living in the neighborhood just south of Houston, TX that was home to most of the personnel that worked around the clock in Mission Control at Johnson Space Center. I remember my dad taking Polaroid snapshots of the television screen as Neil Armstrong stepped off of the ladder on the lunar module and onto the moon's stark surface while uttering those famous words. I also remember there being a raucous block party soon after the successful return to earth of the Apollo 11 command capsule. Imagine if you will a couple of hundred geeks running on andrenaline and alcohol and you pretty much have the complete picture.

Our next door neighbor whose name I have long forgotten, but whose contribution to my interest in science and space will never be forgotten; was mission director of one of the later Apollo missions. He was a junior director on the Apollo 11 mission and as such had complete access to the mission plans and gave my dad a print out from the massive mainframe computer that showed in ASCII characters the flight path of the entire mission from lift-off to splash-down. Unfortunately that now priceless document was destroyed when a pipe burst in our home years later and flooded the basement where it was stored.

An even more poignant memory of 'Jeffery's dad' which is how I always remember my neighbor, is when the command module returned to Houston on the back of a flat-bed semi; he took my dad, his son Jeffrey, and me to see the ship that had carried Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins into history. Jeffrey and I actually climbed into and all over the capsule as it sat strapped to the flat-bed truck. Then, being boys, we left our own marks on history...we scratched our initials into the carbon scoring on the edge of the heat shield and promised never to tell anyone. Years later as a teenager I visited the Smithsonian Air and Space museum and there in the front entrance, encased in plexiglass for all the world to see, sat the capsule and my initials. I broke my promise to Jeffrey at that moment and showed my dad what we had done. I couldn't tell if he was incredulous or proud or both, but I will never forget the look on his face as I pointed out the tiny scratches spelling out my initials FAB...

Believe it or not, it's true.

I am going to be taking my own teenager to visit the Smithsonian Air and Space museum on July 20th and if I am lucky the capsule will still be there and I can show here where her dad left his mark on history.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

bill — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:06:49 GMT

I was on an aircraft in the middle of the Pacific
heading for Vietnam. The Pilot made an anouncement
over the speaker system on a Braniff Boeing 707. He
told us that Neil Armstrong had landed on the moon. the
military passengers yelled "screw him - he should be
heading for the Nam like us poor bastards".

Where were you when Apollo flew?

JIMMY CREGAN — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:07:18 GMT

I WAS FLYING GRASS TOP AND TREE TOP OVER HOSTIL TERRITORY OVER VIETNAM. I WAS AN AERO SCOUT DOOR GUNNER AND CREW CHIEF ON AN OH6-A (LOH), AIR RECON HELICOPTER AS BULLET BAIT FOR A HUNTER KILLER TEAM. I WOULD HAVE BEEN SAFER AND ENJOYED FLYING TO THE MOON A LOT MORE I’M SURE. I THINK MY FLIGHTS WERE THE ULTAMATE RUSH, BUT I STILL WANT TO FLY TO THE MOON TOO

Where were you when Apollo flew?

STEVE HOWARD, GLENDALE, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:08:20 GMT

I WAS IN SUNAPEE, NH WITH STEVEN TYLER AND HIS FAMILY ON THEIR PROPERTY.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Beverly Polston — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:11:04 GMT

I was nearly 10 yrs old, my Grandmother had just passed away, our house was full of relatives from out of town for the funeral. Everybody was crowded around the black and white tv.
Years later my love and interest in the space program helped me in another way...my husband to be was also a space nut...we even went to Huntsville Alabama on our honeymoon...in 1981

Where were you when Apollo flew?

P Simonson — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:11:16 GMT

Was at Murry's restaurnant in Minneapolis getting engaged.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Frank Glover, Rochester, NY — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:11:35 GMT

I was 14, solidly rooted to my parents' living room floor in front of the TV. Watching CBS coverage (as I usually did), hanging onto Walter Cronkheit's every word (and he was just a fraction away from speaking over Neal's first words) I made a reel-to-reel audio recording, the tape of which I lost only a few years ago...

On January 1,2000 the first day of the new millennium (Yes yes, I know that's really 1-1-2001. Tell it to my PC that went back to 1-1-1980, in spite of a patch to prevent that.) I walked around one of the remaining Saturn Fives at the Johnson Space Center with a friend who works there and wondered aloud; "When will we do things like this again?"

Today, the answer still isn't clear...

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Harry Monnell, Elmira, New York — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:13:02 GMT

I was fishing for lake trout in Keuka Lake, New York with a fishing buddy. We had a tranistor radio in the boat, and when we heard that the Eagle had landed, we both cheered. I can't believe that it was forty years ago, and I was just forty years old. Time really flies.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

cliffyworld — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:15:51 GMT

For a real interesting story about the original Mercury 7 astronauts, read the article I wrote titled "Ryan Seacrest should host all space shuttle launches" posted on my blog. Here is the link to the article. Enjoy and comments are always appreciated.
http://cliffyworld.com/blogs/blog1.php/2008/03/
11/ryan-seacrest-should-host-all-space-shut

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mike Flynn, Santa Clara, Calif. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:17:02 GMT

I was fifteen living in England. I've never considered TV too important; I've only twice got out of bed in the middle of the night to watch TV: the moon landing and Nixon's resignation speech.
I found the entire Apollo program thrilling and wathced hours of it on TV and read masses. It certainly catalysed my science and engineering geekiness for which I am thankful. I feel sorry for kids today that do not have such exciting times to live through; not just the moon landings, but the improvements in civil rights, women's rights and people's growing acceptance of people different to themselves. I miss the excitement and sense of wonder I had at the time.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

JJ, Albuquerque, NM — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:17:51 GMT

I was 2 years and 9 months old in July of 1969, so I don't remember being aware of the whole thing until the later missions. I do remember hearing the name "Armstrong" and asking my dad, "Why do they call him Armstrong? Does he have strong arms"? or something to that effect. I also remember when Harrison Schmidt was running for reelection to the Senate from our home state of New Mexico, and the scandal that resulted when his challenger, Jeff Bingaman (still in the Senate today), said something along the lines that they had sent a man to do a monkey's job.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Hal Ackerman Losa Angeles, CA 90036 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:19:33 GMT

My best friend and the woman who would some day become my second ex-wife had flown from NY to Munich and were driving to Italy for a boat to Greece to join an archaeological expedition on Santorini, in search of Atlantis. We followed the progress of the flight on Armed Forced Radio. I was an embarrassed American, what the with war in Vietnam, which I opposed.But the space mission had captured even the Europeans' imagination and given us a moment to be proud. An Italian embraced me and proclaimed "Americani, Astronati, La Luna La Luna." We stayed in a dive of a youth hostel in Athens. "Especial" meant there was a mattress on the cot, "Very espeical meant a sheet.
That night it was too hot to sleep and I went out. A small group was clustered around a gated electronic shop, and it was there, on a fuzzy black and white set, as far away from my home as they were from their it felt, that I saw man set foot on Tranquility. In my sight line above and behind the store, was the Acropolis and the Parthenon, glowing silvery in the light of the actual moon above.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

george gomez — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:20:57 GMT

I was 9 years old in 1969 living up in the mountains in Costa Rica, I remember going into a friends house his mom had the TV on and I watch the entire show until my Mom came looking for me, at the time that was one of only two houses with televisions in it in the entire neiborhhood, I am please to say that up to today I have follow the space programe, from the Shutle Launches to the sithings of the International Space station, form visiting the Kennedy Space center to wakeing up at all hours of the night just to see the ISS' making a pass over the City of Miami, from endessly wachting the stars with mi small telescope and following the Satelites pictures and stories thru the internet, that day in 1969 start it all, and it will stay in my heart as long as we continue persuing the final frontier and we all keep looking up.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ann Clendenen Danko, Paso Robles, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:21:27 GMT

I was in the living room of Dr. Ned Trannel's family in Big Horn, Wyoming, because they had a color set... My Dad had been a bomber pilot in WW II and my brothers and I all loved to watch anything about flight. Our home had watched every launch and landing, and still do. I can remember playing ball outside and coming in to check the progress of it all. The Trannels had 8 kids then, and we were 3 (plus the four parents) and we all crowded in front of that color set, and then it was all in black and white. No color shots from the moon... our home was so into the space flight that when our cat had kittens, and a big white kitten was the first to climb out of the box, we names him John Glenn, (appologies to Alan Shepard). I continue to follow the space program, and my entire family visited the Kennedy Space Center in the summer of '97 and I got goosebumps when we went out to the Apollo building, and got to walk under the Saturn V rocket.

God Speed to all the astronauts, and we should continue the efforts to explore space.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bob DeForest, Melbourne, FL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:23:06 GMT

Alan,

I was just 6 years old but have vivid memories of the Apollo moon shots. My Dad would set up his reel-to-reel tape recorder and we would record all of the various launches’ coverage. I remember Walter Cronkite’s deep voice trying to be heard over the loud rumble coming from the lone speaker in our black-and-white TV as the mighty Saturn V would slowly lift-off from the launch pad. In fact, I still have one old tape left sitting in my closet (on my “to do list” is to get it to a professional for preservation this summer).

On July 20th, 1969 I was outside playing next to our carport and my Mom called me in to the house for what was to become one of the most important moments in our nation’s history. I was in such a hurry to get in front of the TV that I cut my ankle on a rock as I got up from the ground (still have a faint scar – my Apollo 11 memento). As my sister, parents and I sat in front of the TV watching the grainy b&w images coming back from the moon, little did I realize the significance of what was happening. Sure, I was aware it was a big deal, but looking back on it today I’m so thankful that my parents were also tuned in to the historical turning point.

For years afterward, I was an astronaut during Halloween, I would draw the Lunar Module from a dozen different perspectives at home (and at school), my friends and I would play astronaut, and I would watch TV specials on the Apollo and later Skylab missions. When in High School, my science teacher had a TV brought in to watch the first Shuttle landing (I watched the launch from home).

Years later, I had the fortune of working at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Aug 97-Nov 99) while in the USAF. I was a Captain working in the 5th Space Launch Squadron, the 3rd Space Launch Squadron and later the 45th Ops Group. I worked on the Titan IV as a Mission Planner, Satellite Ops Controller, and AF Launch Controller, and never once took a day for granted. When I could I was out on one of our two launch pads (SLC 40 and SLC 41). I remember standing on top of SLC 41 and looking out at the row of abandoned launch pads from the Gemini and Mercury days, as well as across to the Shuttle launch complexes and thinking how lucky I was. I got to watch a Shuttle launch from our Vertical Integration Building from the 7th floor (awesome!). I drove the same roads the Mercury and Gemini and Apollo astronauts drove, and would on more than one occasion go to Launch Complex 34, where the Apollo 1 tragedy occurred. I’ve never written this down before and reading it now reminds me of how lucky I really am to have had a small part in our space program. I also took the opportunity to make sure something of mine would make it into space – my fingerprints are all over several rocket body parts and one satellite in particular that I spent a great deal of time with. We would even sign our names with a Sharpie on the Titan IV.

My space launch career was capped off as the 45th Ops Group “standardization and evaluation” representative while on console during STS-93 in July 1999. I not only wore a headset and ran a checklist during the launch, I got to conduct the “hot wash” for the Ops Group with the Wing Commander and the NASA representatives at the Range Ops Control Center (naturally, they were really running the show, but we thought we were in charge…). I lived a small part of my dream – never made it into the astronaut program but I have no complaints.

Where are we headed from here? I hope our nation can keep pushing the envelope to get man back to the moon. The Constellation/Orion program is a hopeful first step. NASA just completed the Ares I-X stacking, the first stacking operation of a new vehicle in 25 years, and I don’t think I saw anything on the news. I hope our new President can light our younger generation’s imaginations with a renewed interest in the space program so that today’s youth can have a rich treasure trove of memories.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Roberta, Kokomo, IN — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:24:58 GMT

As Armstrong stepped onto the moon and began his walk around, my boyfriend took a small box out of his pocket, opened it, and proposed. I knew he was "The One" and quickly took the ring and said yes. Neither of us remember too much of the moon walk after that. Now, 2 children and 3 grandchildren (and one more on the way) later, we're about to celebrate our 40th anniversary.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mitch; Seattle WA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:28:23 GMT

I remember it pretty well. I was about 13. The night was very warm down in the OC; we only had a black-&-white TV, but since the coverage was also B&W, that didn't matter. I remember wandering in and out of the living room (because it was lots cooler outside than inside!), and being mildly amused that my parents (Depression-era survivors) were almost delerious with fascination and amazement. I, on the other hand, while thinking it was kinda cool, wasn't nearly as impressed about it all as they were - I guess my generation kind of took it as a given.

That being said, we should continue to re-visit the Moon and also get to Mars eventually - kids can't stay in the nest forever, yanno. =;>)=

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Gerald Bush — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:31:36 GMT

My father and I sat together watching the whole voyage on a small B&W TV in upstate NY. As a rebellious teenager, I didn't do anything with my Dad. For Apollo 11, we were kindred spirits. Later, I realized he had been a techno-geek for years, buying the first Polaroid camera available, automating his business accounting with a Burroughs computer in the 1960's, and making sure our Popular Science issue came every month.
I left for Japan to be an exchange student just a bit after that, and my father died when I was away. Sharing the moments of wonder at a man on the moon between a man born in 1914 and a rebellious teenager who would never have that opportunity again is bittersweet memory for me.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jay Mumper, Harrisburg, PA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:33:23 GMT

I was eight years old that summer. Even at that age I was fascinated by all things scientific. I remember sitting bleary-eyed staring at our small black and white TV asking my mother (albeit annoyingly often) is that Neil Armstrong? Is he on the moon yet? THe inspiration of real science doing real, public things gave me a career. But at that age, minutes are hours and in retrospect, my impatience was a glimpse at our future in a world that now expects results in minutes not hours or God-forbid - days. I fear that we now will not have the patience to for space missions that take weeks, months or years. Bring on the Star Trek transporters!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Michele Sprague, Prague, OK — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:33:58 GMT

I had my sixth birthday on July 16, 1969. I clearly remember that my family we had a birthday picnic at the park. During this picnic in Northampton, Mass. my parents told me to look to the sky to see the launch. I honestly thought I saw a white stream with a rocket attached. It seemed like I held my breath for four days until I saw the moon landing and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked across the Sea of Tranquility. As a side note, many children of the 60's and 70's almost idolized astronauts and wanted to grow up to be an astronaut. I remember telling my fifth grade teacher that I would like to be an astronaut. She replied, "Astronauts are very intelligent, are very good in math and you are neither." For years I was devastated by her seemingly casual remark. I did not grow up to be an astronaut, but, I grew up to be an elementary teacher and I have not and I will not tell a child they cannot grow up to be an astronaut.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

LuAnn Badshah, Indianapolis,IN — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:36:06 GMT

As a lot of people watched the moon landing, I was a 7 year old girl in Indianapolis, In. I still vividly remember sitting in our family room watching the black and white TV. I was so excited and enthralled that yes, I had finally seen - what it was like to stay up past my bedtime!!!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Robert Deatherage, York, PA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:37:36 GMT

I was 13 years old in York, PA watching with my mother and grandmother. I was already a huge fan of the U.S. Space Program, but that night, I was hooked for life. The two strongest memories I have of that night are the tremendous excitment I felt, and my grandmother's disbelief. She had a very hard time accepting that this was real. She was born in 1914, and so much had changed since she was a child. She is now 94 years young, still going strong, and we still occasionally talk about that day.

Four years ago, my wife, daughter (who was 9 years old at the time) and I had the opportunity to tour Kennedy Space Center in Florida. I was like a kid all over again - my daughter just could not understand why I was so excited.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Larry Linn — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:41:12 GMT

I first heard about it after spending the night on ambush patrol near the Hoc Mon Canal.It was morning, and my squad spent the night on ambush patrol. We were heating water for coffee and picking the leeches off of our bodies. A few weeks earlier, I was living it up in the states. It was surreal day.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Rakesh Sharma, San Mateo, California — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:43:06 GMT

I wasn't born.

When I was in class 4, I was taught that Neil Armstrong was the first man to land on moon. But as I grew into a teen, did I gradually realize the significance of the first moon landing. I remember feverishly poring over the glossy pages of a science book which described the Apollo missions/Space Race, reading how America did it. I was mesmerized and speechless at the same time. Since then, I have had a deep admiration and respect for America and its scientific achievements.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dorothy Campbell. Blue Hill, Maine 04614 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:43:10 GMT

My 4th son was 6 days old, I was 40 years old. We lived in Blue Hill, Maine with my husband and 3 other sons.We gathered in a small room and were breathless, not so much of the landing on the moon but because we were able to watch this miracle on television. Which was the greatest accomplishment?
We will celebrate his 40 years on earth this month and my being 80 years old.It has "been a real ride" these forty years!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ricardo L. Garcia, Carrollton, Tx — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:43:31 GMT

At the time of the first lunar landing, I was with the rest of my family in my Dad's and Mom's bedroom--all of us huddled around our battered radio receiver, windows shut tight in the middle of a tropical summer with no AC whatsoever, trying to keep from making any loud noises, listening on the shortwave band to VOA as it carried live Neil Armstrong's first words on the Moon....we risked going to jail for years without trial or lawyer in my native Cuba if we were caught listening on mankind's greatest achievement ever....and my Dad's face, his pride and joy as we heard the old dream was no longer a dream...You bet I remember what I was doing--trying not to shout and jump in jubilation for fear of jail!!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Phantom309 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:44:13 GMT

I was 17 and assigned to Naval Activities Saigon working a mail room at Tan Son Nhat Air Base. As I was walking by a guard post, I saw the Stars and Stripes headlines, about Apollo and the moon landing. Ahhh...the good years.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

JJ, Ann Arbor, MI — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:44:59 GMT

I was eight years old. My Dad was ex-Air Force but someone who never told anyone of this experiences. To this day, I can remember sitting in the basement where the old black and white TV was, it was late, given that we were in the Eastern Time Zone. Sitting there with my Dad, we were in awe. Three fearless men, basically flying a pop can with less electronics of an early computer, made it to the Moon. I can still remember the lousy images, but they made it.
I doubt I'll ever make it to the moon, but given the spirit of our Nation, and humanity, I think there us reason to believe that my son will.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Christine, Milwaukee, WI — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:45:10 GMT

I was being born! I was born on the 21st, the day that they left. The headlines of all of the papers on my birthday was the moon landing. The story of my mom watching it on the tv while she was at the hospital are always fun to hear. I'm having a 40th party next weekend and the headline on the invite is "July of 1969 was a banner month. Apollo 11 landed on the moon. A few hours later I was born. The world hasn't been the same since!"

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Rosemary — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:49:09 GMT

I was 4yrs old. I remember that Mom had told me several times that they were flying to the moon but I remember watching tv and wondering how they got up that far and that they should be smaller since they were so far away.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bob Strandberg, Orlando, Florida — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:50:46 GMT

I was in the 10th grade in Orlando Florida, having moved there in January of 1969. My family spent the night before the launch in the house of one of my dad's friends in Titusville, right on A1A. We were 12 miles or so directly across the Banana and Indian rivers from the launch pad and could see the Saturn 5 shining like a beacon across the water. Lit up by brilliant white spot lights it's an image that I'll never foreg. I remember waking up around 3 in the morning and looking out the upstairs window of the house at what seemed like a hundred thousand people milling around on the highway and shoreline waiting for the next morning's launch. Some were sleeping, but the majority were wide awake. A guy with a bagpipe was even marching north on the hiway, serenading everyone! Around 6 on the morning of the 16th we walked across the road with our chairs and waded through the mass to find a spot to wait out the launch. With the excitement building, we counted down the final seconds and watched that little dot on the horizon turn into a mixture of brilliant orange flame and puffy white smoke. A few seconds after ignition we could hear AND feel the sound coming from the massive Saturn V. It was our first launch of any type that my family had witnessed, but not the last. My dad was able to secure passes for us to watch all of the following Apollo, Apollo/ Soyuz and Skylab launches from the space center itself, getting within 3 to 4 miles of the pad. What an experience as a teenager.

Four nights later we were all huddled around our new 19" RCA color television, focused on the grainy black and white transmission as Neil Armstrong made his historic step. It was a time I'll never forget and often wonder if my child will ever be able to experience what I did over those few days in July 1969.

I still live in Orlando and launches from KSC never cease to amaze me. No matter what time a shuttle or satellite goes up, I look east to catch a glimpse of one of the wonders of our time.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Elgon Williams — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:55:40 GMT

One July 20, 1969 I lived on a farm two miles from nowhere and surrounded by cornfields. The closest community of any size was South Charleston, Ohio (pop. 1700). I was 13 years old. I remember I stayed up well into the wee hours of the morning to make a tape recording of Walter Chronkite's CBS commentary. I shushed everyone to silence because the crude way I had to record the audio picked up every noise around the family room.

My parents were farm people; they always went to bed early and got up early. Sometimes my dad would listen to the radio after going to bed, especially if there was a Cincinatti Red's game on - and there usually was in the middle of July. But that night was very different. No one went to bed until we witnessed the history being made.

There were a lot of memorably events during the 1960's, some of them were not so good for America. I recall the Christmas 1968 mission of Apollo 8 circling th moon and the picture of an Earth-rise over the Moon, the first time a human had ever witnessed the puissant contrast between the dead gray pockmarked surface of the moon and the vibrantly beautiful world that all the rest of humanity shared.

It was a magical time to be a kid. Everything seemed potential for the creativity of the human race. Although it was a proud accomplishment that John Kennedy's challenge years before had set into motion, at the moment that Neil Armstrong stepped down from the Lunar Excursion Module onto the surface he acknowledged that it was an achievement for all mankind.

Although the resources came from American taxpayers, some of whom felt that the money could have been better spent fighting poverty in our homeland, there was probably no other nation on Earth at that time that could have afforded such a risky venture. Maybe the rest of the world even expected we'd be the ones crazy enough to believe it was possible and smart enough to devise a way of pulling it off.

In that moment shared the world over, we even believed we could accomplish the impossible, sharing our world in peace. I don't think I was alone in believing that if humans were clever enough to land on the Moon we were at the threshold of the age of miracles.

The first dose of reality was the ill fated Apollo 13 mission that followed a few months later. Until then everything had been going very smoothly. It wasn't until years later when I saw Ron Howard's film account of that mission that I understood how very close we came to losing three brave men or how brave any of the men were who sat atop million of gallons of explosive chemicals to achieve the ride of a lifetime in the name of progress.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jack Kagy, Tiffin, OH — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:56:17 GMT

I was at Meadowbrook Park in Bascom, OH, with the TV sitting on a picnic table, and my parents, my sisters and brother-in-law. The event was two dimensioned...a welcome home for my brother-in-law's brother, w/ home I had attended high school and who had just returned from Vietnam, and a send off for me, who was on leave from the Army and ordered to report for shipment to Vietnam w/in the next week. I also, obviously, survived my year. I remember being impressed w/ the feat of landing on the moon. It was the only reason we had a TV along on the picnic because, back then, people just didn't watch TV outside. But I had other concerns at the time that probably kept me from being able to completely savor its significance.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Tom, Pleasanton, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:56:20 GMT

July 20, 1969

I was about a third of the way through a 36-week U.S. Army Electronics course at Ft Monmouth and 6 months from being sent to Vietnam.

I had turned 20 years old, 5 days earlier. Friends I had known from back home, in Illinois, had invited me to their home in Northern New Jersey to celebrate my birthday with a cake and watch the Moon landing. All these years later I can still remember the Moon landing but not the Birthday cake.

I remember the speculation and the very real fears that we had at the time. Even Walter Cronkite was worried!

- Will the astronauts be able to land on the Moon without crashing?

- Would the Moon’s surface actually hold the Lunar Lander or would it, or the astronauts, sink into the surface like you would a snow bank?

- Would they be able to get back to the ship or will they be stranded on the Moon?

As it turned out, none of these concerns turned out to be true.

Instead, we all held our breath as they got closer and closer to the surface and came closer and closer to running out of fuel. We were relieved and overjoyed when we saw the dust blowing away from the landing gear, heard and saw them touch down safely.

Later, we saw the astronauts climb out of the Lunar Lander and actually step on the surface of the moon. I don’t think that I will ever forget that iconic picture of the first footprint left by man on the surface of the moon.

For our generation, that footprint represented an achievement and a challenge. America/Mankind, all of us, had in fact been able to achieve the “impossible” task of putting a man on the moon and returning him safely.

The challenge and the dreams became, if we can do that, what other impossible task(s) could we overcome?

We have had some notable successes and yet we still have many challenges before us.

In 1969, we didn’t have Personal Computers (desk top and laptop), Cell Phones, Space Stations and the World Wide Web did not exist. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) had been signed into law, in 1964, but was far from a reality for nearly all minorities including all women. Getting cancer, any cancer, was considered a death sentence for both men and women.

In 2009 all of those devices exist. Real EEO is still a work in progress, but our newest President gives me hope. Cancer is now considered to be a treatable disease, with certain types able to be cured or prevented and many others with positive long-term remissions.

I would like to think that future space projects such as, the “new” space telescope, missions to Mars, etc. will spark that same kind of wonder and ability to overcome the “impossible” in our current and future generations.

If they do, I look forward the next 40 years of my life with great anticipation and a certain amount of wonder.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bob Hearn, Vancouver, BC — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:56:44 GMT

I was not quite 4 years old, but I remember it very clearly. My parents made sure I knew how important it was, and of course let me stay up very late just this once.

As for countless others, this set my expectations for what the future of technology would be like. Of course, I would be able to work on Mars when I grew up!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jack Kagy, Tiffin, OH — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:57:26 GMT

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Johnny Johnson Gray TN — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:58:42 GMT

I was 11 years old camping on Lake James in North Carolina. My dad had a little black and white TV hooked to a car battery. I was looking up at the moon in the middle of a lake on a island watching the moon landing
on a black and white hooked to a car battery. I will never forget it.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Saleh Sulaiman, Sarawak, Malaysia — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:00:40 GMT

I was in high school, in Kuching, Sarawak in Malaysia when we we were given the chance to watch the first man on the moon. I remember it was at the US Information Centre near the Independence Square. Everyone was excited and and watch in disbelief the making of a scientific breakthrough.

The US Info Centre was closed because of budget costraint in the early 70s but the time when Peace Corps Volunteers were around and the Centre was opened we were ushered to the Houston and the moon at a time when cyberspace and internet was unheard of in this part of the world.
Old folks still could not believe the moon landing for a few more weeks later but by the time I was in the University in Kuala Lumpur, the man on the moon became history and all folks were thinking of what next tmat man would do to broaden the horizon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Richard B. Hoppe, Gambier, OH — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:03:36 GMT

I was watching at home, on the phone with guy I worked with on the Apollo Command Module control system in Honeywell's Development & Evaluation Lab. Along with other engineers and technicians, we'd spent several years torturing the various components of the control system, baking them in ovens, cycling the temperature in vacuum chambers while we exercised them, subjected them to over-voltages and under-voltages, jolted them, and generally subjected them to assorted bad stuff looking for their performance limits. We had our fingers, arms, legs, and eyes crossed hoping we hadn't missed anything. It was an amazing feeling to know it all worked.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Gil Heuss, Wiggins, MS — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:04:00 GMT

I was in the army stationed in Landstuhl West Germany. Our SATCOM Station got to relay the pictures from the moon landings back to the states, I got to see the pictures that were sent back to us by AFRTS.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jo Ann Morales Whittier, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:06:00 GMT

I was 9 years old. My entire family and I were mesmerized by what we were seeing on the black and white TV. I remember my Dad took slides of the landing. I hope he still has them.

When I saw Neil Armstrong climb down the ladder, I turned and asked my parents, "Why didn't he just beam down like Capt. Kirk?"

I still get teased about that remark.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Alan Lantz, Fayetteville Arkansas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:09:07 GMT

I was 4 years old, my brother had just been born a couple of weeks prior. The moon landing is my earliest recollection. Our black and white tv that picked up 2 channels on a good day played all week long. I think the tone and the beginning and end of each verbage is what made it stick in my head. I am sure when my parents pointed out the moon in the sky I was amazed at how we could do such a thing. My grandmother always said it was a hoax, like the show capricorn one. Just movie film tricks.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave, Sunnyvale, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:10:21 GMT

12 year old Iowa farm boy, and total, certifiable space-geek. Glued to TV, of course, as I was for *any* NASA action. Bedroom covered with maps of the solar system. Dresser covered with model rockets. I'm still moved when I think of that moment of man's first steps on the moon.

I bacame an engineer, but heck, I probably would have anyway. But because of NASA, I knew what an engineer *was*, and it seemed preferable to cleaning hog barns.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Randy Ohara, San Jose, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:12:41 GMT

I was also at the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Idaho; there were 50,000 Boy Scouts there for the week, they had installed Jumbo Screens in the main "arena" and we all watched the moon landing on the jumbo screens. It was quite a site; thousands of Scouts all wearing the red Jamboree wool jacket watching the first step on the moon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

tom Elkins, Torrance, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:16:29 GMT

I was in front of the TV watching all the action, because at the time I was an engineer at Douglas Aircraft and had worked on the Apollo. Knowing the way it was build with all the advanced technology I was not sure the thing would fly. BUT IT DID.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Rev. Rick "Merry Bear" Koehl — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:22:41 GMT

I was 8 years old and a Trekie. I was glued to the family's old B&W TV, enthralled every moment of the mission's broadcast, and later went to bed to dream that I was a part of that mission. It was a thrilling time and filled me with a sense of peace, of unity, and of hope for humanity.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Randy Roach, Fate TX — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:25:52 GMT

On July 20th 1969 I was a 12 year old boy. I was the ghostly images from the moon in our darkened den with my family with my father, mother and younger brother. Our house was located about 20 miles from Pad A. Four days earlier the doors and windows rattled and shook at the unimaginable power of Apollo 11's Saturn V launch vehicle. I'd watched the astronauts leaving Earth on the way to their great adventure. I'd felt the Saturn's rumbling growl in my chest as it climbed triumphantly into the clear Florida sky. Growing up, almost every adult I knew worked at the Cape or supported it in some way. My father, my grandfather, and the fathers of my friends all worked there. These people, and thousands of others all over the US had worked tirelessly for years upon end to make what I was now watching possible. I felt tremendous pride in the role that my family and the local community had played. I didn't feel this was an achievement of "mankind" or even of America. It was us - family and friends. My community. WE did this.

At the time, I didn't realize what a remarkable thing it was to have so many people focused on a single goal, nor how difficult it was to create such focus, or maintain it over a decade. I'm afraid today's America has too much Attention Deficit Disorder to accomplish anything like Apollo again.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bob Bickers, Murrysville, PA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:26:09 GMT

I was 13 in Memphis and anyone visiting my room would think they were were in an unofficial branch of mission control. I had miniature models of Apollo spacecraft being tracked across huge moon maps and a library of space books and magazines on every aspect of the Apollo program. I had been closely following the space race since the early 1960's watching the Mercury astronauts rocket into space. On the afternoon of July 20, 1969, my hands sweated along with everyone else as the Eagle landed. I stepped outside the house and saw traffic on the road and was incredulous that these people were oblivious to the moon landing. That night, our family watched on the TV set and finally pulled a mattress into the den to watch the mission coverage all the way through. Here's a picture of us all around the TV that night (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hRfFTEe-0I/SjcTh8QcAwI/AAAAAAAAAE4/NCfS9e_KD94/s1600-h/Bickers+family+on+July+20+1969+s.jpg) (I am the one holding our dog). Years later, I never did become an astronaut. I became an attorney instead, but I also became skilled as an artist and now I have an art show and tribute to that special mission, called APOLLO 11 - 40 YEARS A MEMORY. More on that can be found at http://www.bobbickers.net and on my blog at http://www.fineartbybobbickers.blogspot.com The moon landings have fueled my imagination all these years while waiting for us to return. I hope I will see that day soon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Steve Drilling, Waterloo, Iowa — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:28:17 GMT

For me the experience all started on July 15th, 1969. It was my birthday and the next day was going to be the launch of Apollo 11. Unfortunately for me, we didn't own a TV. With 9 brothers and sisters on our small Iowa farm, TV's were a luxury that we did without.
After chores on the morning of the 15th, my Mom called me in to the kitchen so everyone could sing 'Happy Birthday' to me. There, in the living room doorway, was my Dad, hooking an antenna to an ancient black & white TV. I whooped for joy and asked if it was for me. My Dad told me "Don't be silly. Its for everyone. You're not the only one who wants to see the moon landing".
My brothers and I rushed through our chores the next morning and were in plenty of time to watch the launch of Apollo 11. It seems that it was around 8 or maybe 8:30 in the morning. Walter Cronkite stated something about it taking 3 or 4 days to reach the moon. I was devastated. I thought it was going to be a short, quick trip. My brothers laughed at me and picked on me all day for my ignorance. It was 35 years later that one of them told me that they had no idea that it was going to take that long either. Ah, well. Boys will be boys.
On July 20th, at around 3pm, we were all planted around the TV, mesmerized. We watched as the Eagle headed for the moon. We were in awe as it touched down on the surface. Then the agonizing wait began.
"Why don't the get out?" I asked. "Are they scared? Will they sink into all that dust and be gone?"
The only answer I ever got was a loud "Shhhhh!" from everyone in the room.
By the time they were getting ready to get out my 4 little sisters, the "little girls" were asleep and I was starting to doze myself. After all, it was nearly 10pm! I remember it was hard to see what was going on. For years I just figured it was the old TV, but others told me it was just as fuzzy and grainy for them. Those were the days. The US was invincible and so were our astronauts.
I hope to share the next moon shot with my kids and grandkids. Go USA!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

London — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:30:52 GMT

My personal experience is shocking after reading Books, News, Journals and story I hear and see from NASA because Actual facts seems hidden from the Public. According to Astronauts today they seem to claim in parallel to Books and Hidden News: For an example: 1. First moon visit was way earlier than Appollo; 2. When they went to the moon some claims there were already many of us (like) waiting for them during arrival 3. According to some March mission was completed in 1966 4. Today they have finished journey to our Solar systems and beyond. For above: reference are: John Lear interview, project camelot interviews. There are many people working in NASA are coming out with different stories which directly contradict with NASA.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Allan Jarrett, Prospect, PA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:32:41 GMT

I watched the first moon walk, my being a few days short of age 10, at the home of my friend of that era, Scott Anderson. He was staying at his Grandparent's home for the summer, which was only a few houses down the road from my home. His Grandparents had a COLOR TV (woo hoo!!!). I remember hearing my mother's voice echoing across the neighborhood for me to come home, no doubt because she thought I would miss the moment. I watched the event on that color TV at Scott's house but soon realized that the picture was still black and white and with a lot of visual static. Regardless, I'll never forget it. I was at an age where I sensed the excitement from the grown-ups about was happening and fortunately I paid attention. I look back now, and wow, what an accomplishment for them to have walked on the moon after just scratching the edge of space a little over 9 years before. I wish we could recapture that spirit of exploration again.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Paul Herder, Sedgwick, KS — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:32:43 GMT

I had just joined the US Air Force and was at basic training in San Antonio, TX. This was the first and only time I saw TV during that training. I went on to be a Missile Launch Crew Member on the Titan II system.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Kevin R. Clary — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:36:41 GMT

I was 12 years old and I spent that memorable week at Boy Scout Camp in Pike, NY. When astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the moon it was fairly late at night. A small black and white television was set for all of us watch and what I remember most was that one of the first television shots was broadcast UPSIDE DOWN at first. Apparently the camera was installed incorrectly back on earth. It took one of the astronauts a few minutes to re-align the camera too. As a kid I knew all the astronauts names from Mercury and all the way through to the end of the Apollo program.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Thomas Talboy, Oakland, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:37:48 GMT

I was 6 years old and sitting on my dad's shoulders at Preservation Hall in New Orleans. As we were listening to music cameras were rolling--I later learned that they were CBS news filming, essentially, a program about "Where were you when...." It has always been an incredible memory for me.

About 30 years later, I returned to New Orleans as an adult for New Year's. The first thing I insisted on doing was going to Preservation Hall.

Both the moonshot (Oh, does that word date me? Remember the game?) and Preservation Hall have always been favorite topics of mine since then.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Matthew Ota Lebanon, NH — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:43:41 GMT

I was a 12 year old boy, sitting in front of a black and white TV set in Brookpark, Ohio...a suburb of Cleveland. I lived a short distance from the NASA Lewis Research Center (now Glenn Research Center).

I was able to stay up and watch the entire EVA.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mike Osborne, Murfreesboro, TN — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:45:42 GMT

I was twelve years old and camping with my parents on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky the day man first stepped on the moon. We watched the coverage on a huge, new console television in the home of a local farm couple, Mr. and Mrs. Wiggington. At one point, my parents asked the Wiggingtons what they thought about man landing on the moon. “Ah! They’re not landin’ on the moon,” Mr Wiggington scoffed. “They’re really just out there in Hollywood or somewhere doin’ all that.” The aged mother of either Mr. or Mrs. Wiggington - I can’t remember which after all these years - was also there that day, catnapping in a chair. As touchdown approached, she would occasionally rouse herself long enough to cackle, “If they land on the moon, the world’s gonna’ come to an end!” A crazy way to witness history, perhaps, but I’m so thankful the Wiggington’s opened their home to us that day.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

pb in CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:53:50 GMT

I was 19 and working the night shift at Kodak. Somebody brought in a TV and we watched the landing. A month later I was at Woodstock. Three months later, I went with my buddy Jerry Barber to the lab where he worked at Stony Brook, and got a private showing of the Apollo 11 moon rocks, which his boss was dating. A year later I'd be hiking in Big Sur CA. Back then, seem'd like anything was possible.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dean Muellenberg, Tempe, Arizona — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:57:02 GMT

I was born on that very day!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bob Bartlett, Springfield, Mass — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:59:51 GMT

On July 16,1969 I was at Indian Lake in Ohio, not far from the present day Niel Armstrong museum. My uncle's cottage had no TV, so he took us by boat to a monastery across the lake and we watched the launch while eating breakfast with several dozen monks.
On July 20 we were in Virginia traveling home. We stopped at my aunt's house and watched the moonwalk. I took two B&W Polaroids of the TV screen during the moonwalk, I still have them. We need to go back to the Moon and then on to Mars. It's been 40 years and we've wasted too much time.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jeff, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:03:02 GMT

Haven't had a chance yet to read every comment on here, but does ANYONE besides me remember that when Armstrong was about to open the hatch, to climb down and set foot on the Moon, the image broadcast on TV was upside down at first and it was impossible to tell what was what, until they got the image inverted? This is one of my vivid memories of that night (confusion, mixed with fear that this event would happen without me even understanding what I was looking at, and then amazement and relief at how everything was clear once the image was right-side-up) but I never see this mentioned in accounts of the moon landing. I was 11 years old, allowed to stay up well past my bedtime to watch the broadcast. I also remember people being confused that night and over the following days about what Armstrong actually said and meant, since the second "a" in "A small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind," was pretty much lost in the transmission. Another, much vaguer memory from earlier in my childhood: going with my parents and siblings one night (and then waiting in a line outdoors, on a chilly night) to see a "real space capsule" that was visiting our town, I think as part of some sort of tour around the U.S. I'm not sure if it was a Mercury or an early Gemini, I was too young to remember that, but I remember I was fascinated. I was small enough myself that the capsule didn't look that little to me, but my mom was amazed that anyone could or would go up into space in anything that little.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Tom Kaminski — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:03:33 GMT

On July 16, 1969, I was 7 1/2 years old and waiting for open heart surgery at the NIH in Bethesda, MD. I loved the space program and the doctors delayed my surgery long enough fo me to see the launch of Apollo 11. After my surgery I spent 4 days in intensive care, encased in an oxygen tent, but I remember asking in my moments of lucidity "how are the astronauts?" As Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon, the nurses wheeled in a television and opened the oxygen tent just enough so I could watch for a while. The day the Apollo 11 astronauts returned home to earth was the day I returned home to New Jersey, where we each started lives that would be forever changed.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Carl Boggs, Howland, Ohio — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:03:47 GMT

I was 12 at the time. My mother, my older brother, myself, and my sister were piled into a 1960 Chrysler station wagon and on our way to a week long vacation in Gettysburg, PA. We were going to camp out each night but because of the landing my mother decided that our first night out we would spend in a motel in Sleepy Hollow PA. I can remember looking out the window to see if I could see anything as we all huddled around that old black and white TV and witnessed history. I also remember it rained every other night we were on vacation but we still camped out and had a blast.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Hugh Stewart, Palm Desert, Ca. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:06:03 GMT

As a member of the group that designed the Atlas Missile Body, I remember having fingers and toes crossed until they were "out the gate" and them it was the greatest feeling of pride I can ever remember.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

June Wolfman, Trumansburg, NY — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:06:26 GMT

I was at summer camp. One of the cafeteria tables had fallen and broken my foot. But no one would take me to the hospital because no one wanted to miss the coverage of the landing on the moon. So I have this vivid memory (I was 8) of sitting in the big meeting room, my foot in a bucket of ice water, watching the landing. It was amazing.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Winchendon, MA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:08:33 GMT

I was a software engineer at Raytheon Co. in Massachusetts which had developed the hardware for the guidance computer. We all pretty much took the day off and went to the local home of one of the group and watched the events on TV.

The cell phone on my belt has far more computing power than the Apollo Guidance Computer had.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Brian Moore, Kalamazoo,Michigan — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:10:07 GMT

I was 12 in Paw Paw Michigan when Armstrong landed. All through school there was a tv on with a rocket always delayed for launch. I had been building an Apollo 11 model that summer to go with my JFK in the rocking chair my mother had given me ( dad voted for Nixon) That evening it was me, my dog Queenie and my grandmother, 2 years a widow and crying quietly as Armstrong climbed down the ladder 40 years ago. Years later in college I got a last minute impulse to see the first shuttle launch. I drove all night zig zagging through the jammed traffic after landing in Orlando. I stopped and picked oranges for a snack that dawn. I lucked out the next morning and got smuggled into NASA by a friendly technician with a pickup full of his kids. Anything was possible then.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jane Doe — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:10:07 GMT

Who cares? The space program is the biggest waste the U.S.A. ever got hooked on.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Don Perkins, Covington, LA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:10:20 GMT

I was in 8th grade at a CYO dance at St Agnes School in a suburb of New Orleans, LA. There was a TV in one of the corners of the cafeteria where the dance was held. Everyone was listening to the loacal band play "Knock on Wood" and having a great time. Then all of a sudden Sister Bertin came to the mike, asked everyone to queit down, look toward the lone television and see history being made. You could hear a pin drop as Armstrong touched his shoe to the moon's surface. Carolyn McCullough cried just like she did back when the announced over the loud speaker that JFK has been shot and killed. Everyone was astounded and the dance ended with "the eagle has landed". What a memory!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

James Parks, Albuquerque, New Mexico — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:10:52 GMT

Even though 40 years have passed, I still remember sitting on the floor with my brother and cousin. We, along with my grandma and grandpa, sat there staring in amazement at that small black and white TV as history unfolded before us.

I was only 12, and one might think we would have been used to the space program by then. After all, being brought up in Jacksonville Florida, often we seen rockets flying over head. Any time there was a manned flight, it was big news around town. People only stayed indoors long enough to watch the lift off on TV. Then everyone was outside to see that Mercury, Gemini or Apollo blasting through the sky.

Indeed, you could plainly see them as they made their way to outer space. But none could compare with the Apollo. Even as high up as they were, by the time they passed over Jacksonville, it still looked huge. The flames of its rockets were 3 or 4 times as long as the rocket its self. It always brought a sense of awe to young and old.

For sure, I'll never forget that hot July day when mankind first extended our presents to a hostile other worldly landscape. I'll never forget the cheers of family and neighbours when those historic words were spoken. "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed." There has never been anything like it sense. The overwhelming sense of pride and relief. Even now, writing about it makes me swell up inside.

Now I am 52 years old. A lot of time has passed by and the Moon still waits for our return. I can only hope that I can live long enough to see man go back to our good neighbour, the Moon. I hope I can live long enough to have those old feelings again as I watch man first set foot on Mars.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

David Stevenson, Virginia Beach, VA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:12:38 GMT

After graduating from high school in June, I participated in a seminar of graduates (two per state) in Washington. The Congressional Seminar provided wide access to Capitol Hill including priority access to the galleries in the Senate and House, as well as even riding the subway from the Capitol to the Congressional office buildings along with the Congressmen and Senators. We had speakers from government and from the media address us regarding various issues and workings of the government.

But what topped everything else was watching Apollo 11 land, and then the next day listening in the House Space Committee hearings. The topic? Whether we should continue spending money on the space program now that we had reached the moon!! After all that I saw and heard in DC, sometimes I wonder which place was strangest- DC or the moon!!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

D. Albert, port hadlock, wash. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:14:42 GMT

I was thinking, boy what a waste of money and time to go some place where there is no water, no air and no hope of living.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jay Reeder, Yuma, Arizona — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:15:39 GMT

Considering there were tens of thousands of people directly involved in the creation of the Saturn 5 launch rocket, the lunar lander, and the return module, I am surprised that I am the first to mention that I am one of those. I was one of a small group of engineers and technicians working at The Ryan Aeronautical manned space flight design center in San Diego, California. We designed and built the radar system that automatically controlled the lunar descent module for the soft landing on the moon’s surface. All of us were glued in front a TV’s at work while listening to the actual audio feed of the telemetry from Jet Propulsion Labs in Pasadena, California. Forty years later I can still hear the echoes of the shouts and cheers when the voice said, ”We have lock-up” , indicating that our radar had locked onto the Moon’s surface and was successfully controlling the retro rockets of the lander. It seems like only yesterday.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Donald, Charlotte, NC — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:16:11 GMT

I was 10 years old and, of course, out of school for the summer. My home was very rural with few conveniences, but we did have a television. I remember being the only one in my family even remotely interested in Apollo, and vividly remember sitting for hours in the old brown vinyl recliner, watching the Apollo 11 mission. It was never lost on me for a second that this was a big deal. The mere fact that the networks carried it live almost 24 hours a day was testament to that fact.

Later on in life, I often have wondered exactly what it meant, placing the American flag on the Moon? Did it mean it was ours, as a country? Moreover, if it ALL isn't really ours, then what part of it is? Will we have to defend it? What happens in the near future, when some other country lands on the Moon and plants their flag? I'm not at all sure, but it will be interesting to watch it all play out.

The Apollo program, and those that preceded it, proved man's ability to realize dreams, and work tirelessly to make them come true. But I am terribly pessimistic about our future as humans. We seem to be fatally flawed; meaning we, as a species, just can't seem to shake off the ridiculousness that is religion. Religion has been constraining man for millennia, and shows no sign of abating. More wars have been fought over religion than any other reason throughout history. But now the stakes are much higher: Nuclear/chemical weapons enable all those in possession of them to obliterate the world, and some of the most religious states are seeking them desperately. Can we put it all aside? Will we make it? I don't know. But we sure made a good run of it with Apollo. It showed us the way. Now, somehow, we must shake off the stupidity of religion, and embrace science if we are to survive.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave Rich, Vail Az. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:16:51 GMT

I was coming up on 7 years of age and it was my mom's birthday but I didn't really realize that until years later. We watched as much of it as we could on a black and white console Magnavox TV, the kind with the electric eye to change the brightness. We were rabbit ears folks and with the nearest network about 40 miles away in Springfield, the picture was less than stellar. Fuzzy? You bet! Almost unwatchable. Today, we change the channel because of low def picture. Yesteryear, we were riveted and all anyone talked about that week was the miracle we had acomplished.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Alfredo, Westmont, IL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:19:00 GMT

I was living with my family in southern Argentinian Patagonia. I was eleven but I remember a lot of little details of that great day.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Michael Fulks — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:20:48 GMT

This twelve year old watched from sunny southern California while my father was in Vietnam. But what gets to me are my memories of "The House of the Future" shows that were broadcast.

We were shown homes that could be placed anywhere, where we could work from home at interesting jobs, have our entertainment beamed in from space while our food was cooked with radiation.

Somehow I didn't think that would translate into communities of mobile homes, working for a phone answering service, with a Direct TV dish on a pole in the yard and eating meals cooked in a $50 microwave oven from a big-box store.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Terri Morris, Lima, Ohio — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:24:37 GMT

I was living in Wapakoneta, Neil's hometown and mine! I was 7 years old and my mom and dad took all three of us girls to Neil's parent's house. The town was gathering on their lawn to watch a TV that had been set up. We didn't watch the actual landing there but we sat on the lawn with a lot of other proud people and Neil's parents and felt like we were the center of the universe! Years later I ended up working at the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum and 28 yrs later I am still there.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Joe Hazucha Nyack New York — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:24:59 GMT

I was 12 years old at the movies watching Ice Station Zebra (Howard Hughes favorite film which he saw over and over). I had a transistior radio tucked in my pocket. At a precise time I got up and got in a phone booth to listen to the actual landing. I remember hearing the transmisions between the Eagle and Houston. I got worried when I kept hearing the time limit called out. I remember hearing "30 seconds"...then hearing Armstong saying..."Picking up some dust" "OK Contact light"...eventually saying.."Houston Tranquality base here..the Eagle has landed" I remember all the dialoigue by heart I was so excited. Later that evening I sat down in front of my TV to watch the moon walk snaping black and white pictures off the TV screen. I still have them to this day!!!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Midget — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:25:53 GMT

I was in a dirty-filthy hovel in downtown Detroit with my husband, my brother and his friend. They were working day labor jobs at the auto factories and had forbidden me to even go outside. We were from a small mid-west town and my husband had gone AWOL from the Army so I guess we were sort of hiding and wondering what to do next. We were not even twenty yet, and hungry and scared. We did not have a clue about anything and did not care about the moon shots or the Apollo mission. I remember being angry that it was all that was on TV because that was all I had to do. We had NO money and the guys sold blood for food until they got a days pay for working. It was only one year after the big riots where about 10 city blocks had been burned. We were making all the wrong decisions but life has turned out well for the two of us who are still living,after our brains kicked in.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

shannon myers Phoenix AZ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:27:49 GMT

I was almost 6 years old and we were celebrating my father's birthday on a sunny, hot afternoon in Cincinnati, Ohio. We came inside and everyone got incredibly quiet so I knew something important was happening - I remember all of the adults being glued to the tv. I just remember it being really cool that it was on my dad's 27th birthday!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

T. Foster, Medford, New York — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:33:51 GMT

I was planted in front of the t.v. watching history unfold although I wasn't completely aware of it's significance at the time. I was seven years old and thrilled to no end that my parents were going to let me stay up to watch the lunar landing on t.v. I was, and am now very proud as well...my dad was an employee of Grumman Aerospace and was one of many who built "Eagle" the LM that landed on the moon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dena Mortensen, Salt Lake City, UT — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:36:30 GMT

Wow, that brings back memories.... I was 8 years old and living in Florida at that time good ole Titusville (Jess Parrish hospital is where I was born!!). My dad was part of the Space Program at KSC (Kennedy Space Center) so it was a part of our lives. I miss those days, have seen all the Apollos, have never seen a shuttle go! We used to stand in our front yard and watch the rockets take off! And, if it happened during school, we were outside observing!!! Oh those were the days!!!!! I can still remember Walter Cronkite doing his coverage on the evening news.....

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jack Pike, Phoenix, AZ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:40:25 GMT

I was 29 y/o at the time sitting with the Apollo astronauts in the Neverland Ranch (area 51) watching the biggest hoax in modern history being played out.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

cmc — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:44:15 GMT

I was a kid in Ireland at the time - so it was early morning for us when it all happened. I remember getting on a bus in the morning and people saying "can you imagine that the Americans are on the moon?" My Dad worked for a newspaper and he brought me home the first photos. Magic...

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bob Tabbert — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:46:44 GMT

As a exploration field geologist I was spending that night along side the Itkillik river in artic alaska waiting for a helicopter pick up to return myself and another geologist back to our geological field party camp near Lakes Peter and Scrader. The helicopter never came because of heavy fog, so we spent the night dozing by a small fire. I remember thinking that they can put a man on the moon but ground fog stalled a routine helicopter pick up.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bill Waldron, St. Louis, MO — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:46:53 GMT

I was finishing up my not-so-successful freshman year at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Watched the TV as much as possible to see history in the making (probably should have studied more!). I had been enamored with space and space travel for years, reading everything the local public library had on the subject. I had no idea that night watching Neil Armstrong step onto the moon's surface that just a couple years later he would be one of my college professors. When he left the astronaut corps, he became a professor of Aerospace Engineering at UC. He turned out to be a very good teacher and taught a number of courses I took.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Georgette C., Manalapan, NJ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:46:55 GMT

I was 18 year and newly married that day the American astronauts landed on the moon. In NYC, I remember it being a painfully hot, humid day and night. We sat on my sister-in-laws couch so fondly covered with plastic slip covers since we were all too poor for air conditioning. I was thrilled when the landing occured and so proud. But I couldn't wait to get home, shower and putting my little fan on so I could go to sleep. A few days later, we all had the day off from work to celebrate the landing for what came to be known as moon day.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Steve, Phoenix, AZ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:48:49 GMT

When I was 13 years old, I joined on a YMCA-sponsored hiking trip to Havasupai Canyon, the ancestral home of the Havasupai tribe, deep near the Western end of the Grand Canyon. Our group had left the night of July 20 after two days of Y-camp life and forced marches with our ridiculously over-filled backpacks. There were at least two or three pickup trucks filled with kids in the back, riding with our packs, knowing we were looking forward to a hike in the dark down 1 1/2 miles of pretty daunting switchbacks. Later we found out we were expected to carry/switch off several watermelons, but that story's for another time.

Though we were driving on 20 miles of really bad dirt road to the Hilltop, we pulled over and listened to the radio as they landed. To be as far away from any city and with a star-filled sky in the middle of basically nowhere hearing that they landed was and is a moment profound, memorable and inspiring.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Monte Henderson — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:51:56 GMT

I grew up not far from cape canavaral about 40 miles. All the mercury, Gemini & Apollo missions we would watch on tv in class until they got ready to blast off & we would go outside & watch them. So by the time of Apollo 11 I wasn't to impressed. I didn't even watch it on tv.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Marty, Moline, IL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:52:04 GMT

On July 20th 1969 I was over at my best friends house since they had a color TV. I remember my friend, his family(including his 7 brothers and sisters), and I crowded in their living room watching it. I was a huge scifi geek so I thought that was the biggest thing that had ever happened to the human race.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Daniel Wigton, Traverse City, Mi — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:52:07 GMT

I don't know if I was born too late or too early. It is hard to tell. That I missed the first moon landing by a decade I am quite sure. That the next print in the dust is a decade still to come? who can know?

I do know that it was the countries collective memory of 1969 and a low budget documentary on NASA that turned my earth bound feet to the engineering world.

I have not made good on all my ideals as of yet. If I should die before a man's heels kick up that alluring red dust, it will be I who have left the next generation of America to be another wave of orphans to a dying dream.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Seth Chicago, Illinois — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:54:07 GMT

I was born over 20 years after Apollo stopped journeying to the moon, but two years I discovered the beauty of the Space Race and, in my opinion, the Golden Age of America. These last two years as I have discovered more and more about what happened, how it happened, why it happened, who made it happened, have been the most exciting years of young life. I often find myself thinking I was born in the wrong generation. I can only imagine what it was like to actually live then.

As for the future of spaceflight, I cannot wait for America and the world to return to the Moon. But I tend to agree with what Buzz Aldrin said recently. America should help other countries get to the moon and use our time and technologies on preparing to go to Mars in multiple stages, like Mercury and Gemini. He suggested flying to Asteroids then the moons of Mars and finally Mars itself. I think the step of the Moons of Mars is a little unnecessary but overall I think we need to commit ourselves to another goal. We need something to unify this country again and make us proud to stand up and say we are Americans. (That is not to say I am not proud now, but I think we lack the unity we once had to ALL stand up and be proud.) And not just to be Americans, to be HUMANS. That was the true beauty of Apollo 11 landing on the moon. Not that America beat the Soviets or even that it was an American on the moon. It was that it was a man standing on the moon accomplishing the dream of humankind since we first began.

I regress back to my point on the future of flight. I have heard Obama compared to Kennedy. Personal opinions aside, I hope he emulates Kennedy by challenging America to go to further into space, to accomplish what we have only dared to dream of, and to give NASA a purpose they have so desperately needed for the last 40 years.

I hope in my life time I can see something that is even a sliver of what we saw with the Space Race and Apollo 11. Hopefully it's not just returning to the Moon but continuing on into the stars.

As Neil Armstrong said as he stepped off the lunar module, "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind." It's time that we begin to walk now that it's been 40 years since we made our first small step.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Rick M, Hillsboro, OH — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:56:29 GMT

Having been a ardent follower of Manned Space Flight in my 'pre-teens,' my Mom would call me in "sick" from school whenever there was a Mercury or Gemini flight...

Later, I had the privilege of watching the liftoff of Apollo 9, the first translunar flight.

In my early teens, It was an impressive sight. Seven miles away, across the Coco River, the engines ignited -- It was silent, and in slow motion as the vehicle left the pad and climbed upward into space.

On the river, now lit by the fire of the rocket engines, showed some ripples on the distant shore; disturbed by the sound, aquatic birds took flight.

The vehicle climbed higher, smaller, higher -- almost out of sight; the ripples on the water grew closer and more seabird flocks took to the air.

Then the sound of the rocket motors hit ... and it shook the ground from seven miles away. From an early teen back then to a 57 year old now, and I've travelled extensively, that is the most impressive thing I've ever seen.

Skip forward to Apollo 11...

I had offers to either attend Woodstock or go on a 30 day canoe trip in the Canadian wilderness. I opted for the latter. Scarcely glancing at headlines on my return to Ohio, I returned home to watch the landing on a B&W TV with my Dad. I think it was a Philco.

Watching Neil and Buzz hop out of the LEM was, to me, more a cerebral, intellectual experience -- more like reading a modern news website -- than the visceral experience of watching an actual launch, "OH, we did it..."

For those of you likewise enamoured of Manned Space Flight, I highly recommend the commercial documentary "In the Shadow of the Moon,(check your library)" or "Go for TLI (TransLunar Injection)," which is Public Domain.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jeff Wodtke,Vero Beach,FL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:56:32 GMT

I was ten years old it was the day before my eleventh birthday, I remember it clearly watching the fuzzy black and white TV at my home in Vero Beach FL.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

David Cash, Shell Lake, Wisconsin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:02:05 GMT

I was seven and my family was visiting with my uncle and his family in Fort Yates, North Dakota. At that point, my uncle didn't have a TV, so he and my dad went out and either rented or borrowed one so we could all sit and watch Neil Armstrong on the moon. I remember my dad explaining Neil's testing of the soil with his foot before stepping off the landing pad.
I already had an interest in flight that remains to this day, but none of it led to a career.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Rich — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:05:36 GMT

I was born on July 20, 1969 so I was laying in the Lone Pine, CA maternity ward.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Benjamin Brown — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:10:37 GMT

Who cares? The space program is the biggest waste the U.S.A. ever got hooked on.

Jane Doe (Sent Friday, July 10, 2009 11:10 PM)

Not even close, at the height of the Apollo program costs were only 2.2 to 3 percent of the entire US budget. The biggest money we spend is on social services, after that war and the department of defense, and after that transportation/education/health.

Don't believe me? Inform yourself: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/usbudget/fy10/browse.html

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Angie, Simi Valley, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:11:46 GMT

My son, Tom, was only a month old at the time. We were all visiting his grandparents home to watch the moon landing. Grandma Bennett was lying on the couch holding little Tommy next to her, and we all sat in the living room glued to the TV set in disbelief that this was actually happening. As we all watched in amazement, Grandpa Bennett remarked to us that this day would always be a day we would remember. Obviously baby Tommy was too young to understand what was going on, but he must have sucked up some "moon vibes" along with his formula, because ever since that day, he became an Apollo Afficionado. He loved reading, hearing and talking about everything and anything Apollo. His kindergarten teacher said, "Tommy stood up in class again today and gave us another symposium about Apollo 11."

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ken Merzanis, Santa Clarita Ca — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:11:55 GMT

What I remember about this day was that I was allowed to stay up late in order to watch it all unfold on live TV. At the time, my family had traveled from southern California to Mobile Alabama to spend some time with my grand parents.

There are 2 things that are most notable about the night we all sat down to watch the first moon landing.

First, my grand mother had a misconception about what to expect and it ended up being something all of us ribbed her about for many years to come.

A few days earlier we all gathered around the old black and white TV to watch the launch. I believe it was Walter Cronkite we were watching and at some point someone mentioned that the total weight of the Saturn V rocket when fully fueled was somewhere around 7 million pounds.

My poor grand mother assumed that the whole rocket was going to land on the moon and she was certain that the added weight would make the moon come crashing down to earth and it would be the end of the world as we know it. Of course it is absurd to think the moon would ever collide with the earth but she was absolutely convinced it was going to happen

On the night of the landing, no one had been able to convince my grand mother otherwise and she sat there riveted to the screen waiting for the world to end while the rest of us were riveted to the screen watching history unfold.

After the landing, the moon stayed put. My grand mother calmed down and we all waited patiently for someone to get out and walk around.

Of course we all know what happened next and now it’s in the history books.

The second notable thing about that day is that it was my birthday. I don’t remember the gifts or the party. I have no idea what kind of cake or ice cream we had. The only thing I recall is that we all had one of the most memorable family gatherings witnessing the most amazing adventure in human history.

I am reminded every year on my birthday of what happened that day. It doesn’t have to be a special anniversary such as the 20th, 25th or in this case the 40th for me to remember and appreciate what it took to get there.

This year on my birthday we will be celebrating yet another anniversary and I will be blessed with more documentaries, more interviews, enhanced photos and video and I am sure there will be more secrets revealed that we never knew (I think I have noticed a trend with these anniversaries).

The pioneers that got us there will soon see the reward of their effort and sacrifices as we prepare to go back to the moon. This time we are taking all of the knowledge we gained from the previous missions as well as advanced technology that will allow us to see in high definition what we saw previously in grainy black and white. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Kate, Louisville, Ohio — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:12:23 GMT

I watched it at my grandma's house. My grandmother never did understand what all the hubbub was about. And her sister never believed that man had walked on the moon. She was positive that it was faked.

Me? I believe. And I believe with my whole heart and soul that we need to go back.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Floyd Long Spokane Valley, WA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:13:36 GMT

I was at the moon port at Cape Canaveral Florida. I was part of the team that sent them on their way. I was the Supervisor for the 1st stage of the Apollo. It was part of our history and I am glad that I was part of it. I just want everyone to know that the Apollo 8 astronauts are my hero’s. They paved the way for this landing.
Floyd Long
19423 E. Nora Lane
Spokane Valley, WA. 99016
(509)474-1773

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Floyd Long Spokane Valley, WA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:17:13 GMT

I was part of the team that sent them on their way. I was the supervisor for the 1st stage of the Apollo.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mary Hartery, Worcester, MA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:21:49 GMT

Strange as it sounds, I can't remember the moment we set foot on the moon, even though I would have been 13 at the time. I think the problem is that our family usually spent most of the summer at our grandparents' farm in Canada, and it was a given that we had no TV, no news shows, and rarely got to a town big enough for a newspaper.

But I do remember the feeling that we had done something extraordinary, because we had been seeing all the news leading up to it, with the simulations and the "artist's renderings, and ah, so much to absorb, for someone like myself, a science fiction fan right from the start. I knew we could do it. Of course we could. We had to beat the USSR to get there, and we did. I'm grateful now that the USSR is gone, though, and that we have a mutually respectful relationship, even if it isn't perfect.

Over the ensuing years, I was pleased that I could be a part of the history of our space program, and recall being among the first people signing a petition to name the first space shuttle the "Enterprise."

The fact is, we're not the same people we were then: a lot of Americans are older, and while we still have the same souls, we've moved out of the competitive years, and we need to infuse the current generation with some of the same fervor we found ourselves part of. And they take technology so much more for granted that they can't wrap their minds around how difficult it was for NASA of 40 years ago to bring all these brilliant minds and aim for one pot of gold. Strange as it may sound--and I kid you not!--I heard some younger members of the audience on one of several trips I made to see Apollo 13 asking how it ended. I found that telling, what should have been part of American history for these kids not to know how the film ended. Have we really gone that off the mark to have kids such questions? And another piece of trivia that I gathered at some point was that nearly every computer in the market and home right now have more power and speed than the whole of NASA in 1969. What they DID have that many people don't have nowadays is aim. A focus. A target that can be measured in a way that people can understand. Perhaps one of Jupiter's moons? Perhaps an up close and personal view of the asteroid belt, or Saturn's rings?

I don't know whether I'm too old now to care, but I still dream, still look up at the skies at night and wonder if we will know more than we do now about the universe in my lifetime. Granted, Hubble has taken us far beyond the boundaries of our solar system, but touching is far more exhilarating than looking at someone else's pictures. It's one of the things that makes us human, and gives us goosebumps when we stretch our imaginations.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Andrew H.K.Smith Gahanna,Ohio — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:30:21 GMT

I had just completed the third grade at Somerset Elementary near Washington D.C.On one of the last days of school they took our class upstairs to see a movie produced by some of the sixth grade students.It was a nifty super 8 style color film.The makers had made nice use of the plastic models that a lot of kids were putting togetherand playing with at the time.They went through the sequence through to the landing.They lowered the LEM on a string to the muddy playground and the person reading a naration in class speculated as on what they would find when they stepped out the door.That was the end.
When I watched the landing I was in the living room on the floor with my mom,dad,brothers and sisters close by.Oh and my Major Matt Mason toy astronaut.I remember terribly worried as to what was going to happen when they opened the door and being very very relieved that they were not swallowed up or worse.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ramki, Kuwait, Kuwait — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:30:22 GMT

I was 11 years old, living in Madras, in South India. At that time television was available only in Delhi. Listening to the broadcast live on Voice of America over the radio, I was so excited that I dragged my grandmother near the radio and made her listen to the broadcast even though she couldn't speak english. Grandma had told me so many stories about the man on the moon, and now those fables have a new meaning. Man was really on the moon!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Laurie Bacastow, Sunnyvale, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:32:49 GMT

I was watching at home in Los Alamos, NM. My brother recorded the soundtrack of the coverage on a little Sony reel-to-reel tape recorder. A few weeks later after he sabotaged one of my dolls, I retaliated by recording over his moon landing tape. One of the stupidest things I ever did, in retrospect.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Peter Wolk, Chiang Mai, Thailand — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:41:44 GMT

My wife and I were at friend's place in L.A. where a bunch of us were gathered to watch. I remember thinking two things as Armstrong made that "small step" that was a "giant leap":

That it was Nixon's name on the plaque put there on the moon that day and not Kennedy's who had given us the goal to get there in the first place - and that I missed JFK.

That in all the science-fiction stories about man landing on the moon written over literally centuries, every last one of them (!) missed the most extraordinary occurrence of that moment ... Millions and millions of earthbound terrestrials were actually watching it happen. Not one of those futurists foretold that the moon landing would be a world-wide SHARED experience. And that was really the most extraordinary event of that day.

After that day Neil Armstrong moved on to his career teaching engineering and those friends of that part of my life went their ways. But what wonderful memories remain.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ken Simmons, Simi Valley, California — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:43:28 GMT

I was extremely fortunate to have just returned from Korea, my tour in the US Army at an end. I watched the landing on my mother’s little 12 inch portable television while sitting at her blue and white breakfast bar and taking slide photographs of that little screen. I lived with my grandparents during the Mercury, and Gemini, missions and managed to convince them to let me stay home from school for most of them. I had a lighted glass globe on which I traced the progress of each mission as it happened. By the time the Apollo missions began Uncle Sam had a different mission for me.

Having watched so many missions with my grandparents, I often think about the incredible life journey that they had. My grandfather grew up in the Indian Territory of Oklahoma and didn’t see his first car until he was 12 years old but he lived to see men walk on the moon. From the horse and buggy to the moon in one life time! Talk about incredible journeys!

While the shuttle program and the international space station were great feats and some wonderful science has been performed, there is nothing like seeing a person walking on another celestial body to inspire the imagination and kindle the spirit of exploration. It is high time that we returned to the moon, built a permanent base and used that base as a platform for exploration of the solar system. I only hope that I live long enough to feel that excitement once again.

By the way, my vote so far is for Forrest Bennett, Memphis, TN (Sent Friday, July 10, 2009 9:04 PM). I plan to look for those initials the next time I am there. :)

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jennifer Deacon Hermsen, Dubuque, IA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:43:41 GMT

I was just over two weeks old. In my baby book, my mom and dad saved a newspaper with the moon landing on the front page. For years and years I thought that the moon landing happened ON my birthday (which happens to be July 4, so it's not that far-fetched) and when I finally realized it was weeks later it was kind of disappointing.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Reuben Drevich, West Palm Beach, Fl — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:43:48 GMT

I was born on July 20th, 1956 and since I could remember, had been fascinated with the space program - reading books, building models, watching launches on TV - and my father knew it. I turned 13 that summer and had spent that day in Chicago buying me my suit for my Bar Mitzvah. We stopped on the interstate with other cars so we could listen to the broadcast of the landing.

That night, at my birthday party, after the landing (the date of which had been announced in advance)my father, deceased these 24 years, handed me a rather heavy present which turned out to be a picture frame covered with glass. Beneath the glass there was a picture of the moon, a group picture of the Apollo 11 crew and one three by five index card which had typed on it: Dear Richard, Happy Birthday wishes from the moon.

It was signed: Commander Neil Armstrong, Apollo 11.

My father, once he had heard the date scheduled for the landing, had written NASA and had asked for Neil Armstrong's autograph for his son's birthday. And he came through.

I stayed up all night and watched that grainy black and white picture of the LEM, and I watched every moment of every moon landing after that. I still watch the shuttle launches and anything about space.

But I will always hold the memory of the first day we landed on the moon as the most special.

If you like, I can send you a copy of the card.

Thank you,

Reuben (Richard) Drevich

Where were you when Apollo flew?

R.P. Nettelhorst — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:44:28 GMT

On July 20, 1969 I was thirteen years old in Ohio and glued to the television, together with my mom and dad. My dad was in the Air Force and was going to be leaving for Viet Nam in a few weeks for his second tour of duty. I was about to begin junior high. What amazed my parents most of all was not that people had gotten to the moon. What they thought most incredible was the fact that we could watch it happen live on TV.

Incidentally, my dad came back fine a year later. The Air Force was his career for twenty-eight years. He retired from it while I was in college. He and my mom still live in that same house in Ohio.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Wayne, Kansas City, MO — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:44:52 GMT

I was a jelly bean, perhaps a bit bigger, born in March 1970. I've always have a major passion for space, but my first clear and specific memory was not until high school. The day the Challenger exploded, we were able to "borrow" a TV from the closet down the hall to watch the coverage during Algebra II class.

My worst and only "memory" of Apollo itself was after walking out of the theater from the movie "Apollo 13" and hearing some pre-teen boys talking...

First kid: "Did that stuff really happen? Did people go to the moon?"

Second kid: "No, I think it was a book or something."

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Tanya Everett, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:45:24 GMT

Where was I? I was 8 years old and watching the events unfold from home in Atlanta, GA. Of course, the world was still my oyster.

My Dad earlier had worked for Martin at Goddard, and he assured me several times that man had the capability, man was going to the moon, and that was that. Naturally and certainly I was in no doubt about it, and I never wondered about such cause for argument.

I was so excited about this lunar mission for 2 reasons:
1. Man was going to the moon for the first time! It didn't get any better than that!
2. But what was unprecendented and to top that off was that I would be able to watch the landing happen live on black and white TV! I was in heaven.

The astronauts' voices were to become visibly animated figures on the surface of the moon.

I remember watching nightly news commentators creatively describe each day's progress that had been made toward the moon. Listening expectantly and with the help of their trusty lunar module mockups I plotted my patience and the next leg of the time-traveling voyage.

On landing night, I remember Dad standing at the television restlessly changing channels when he wasn't satisfied with the coverage on one station or another. I had a ringside seat when Neal and Buzz landed, and so after all the days and nights of mounting anticipation I was immediately eager to see a man step out to take his first walk on the moon! On learning that it would yet be some time before Neal Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin would emerge, I was on the edge of my seat and slightly "consternated". I thought that they would be so excited they might just try an early test-walk as a warm-up.

As did so many during this wait I gazed upwards into the night sky looking for the men on the moon...

If the "astronautical" (astronomical + astronaut) moonwalk seemed unworldly, then it's because it was otherworldly from beginning to end! From the sheer distance to their dusty footprints, to the heart-stopping time to return of their crackling voices and their weightless slow-motion movements, their grainy space-adventure moon landing was so real but yet so intangible.

After all the dreams that had been dreamed the Apollo 11 images were beyond compare or precedent and were infinite proof-positive of the fact that man had accomplished just what he had set out to do: to walk on the moon and to safely return!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Chris Anderson, Palm Springs, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:01:31 GMT

When the astronauts landed on the moon that day, I was in the U.S. Air Force and still in basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. I was on town liberty and was at the Institute of Texan Cultures Museum in downtown San Antonio when "the Eagle" landed. I went back to the base and with over 100 other airmen, I saw the television broadcast of Neil Armstrong stepping foot on the moon. A huge cheer went up when someone shouted out that the first man was an "Air Force Man." It was amazing.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ermalee Coonis, Yorba Linda, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:04:44 GMT

I was 16 years old and (so I thought) madly in love for the first time. I was at a Soap Box Derby Race with my first love and we went into a kind of "bar" place and watched it in black and white with total wonder. It was a magical time - the 60's, first love, and Neil Armstrong walking on the moon!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

John R — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:07:09 GMT

I was just 6 years old living in El Lago, TX a few miles from the Manned Spacecraft Center where my father was an engineer and another relative was an astronaut. Many of the astronauts lived in this neighborhood. Many also lived across Taylor Lake in Timber Cove. Subsequent to this and other flights I remember going to ceremonies at Ellington AFB where the astronauts returned home and went into quarantine. And, of course there were always "splash-down" parties to attend that most astronaut families held at their homes. Oddly, I don't remember exactly where I was when the first landing and first step occured!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Don Wolford, Plant City, FL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:08:43 GMT

I sat with my family in Stone Ridge, NY, in the home of my aunt and uncle -- the adults on the sofa, the kids on the floor, the better to be closer to the small color TV they had. The cat wandered around us, wondering why she couldn't get any attention. The usual bantering back and forth was absent; we watched and waited. My dad was an electrical engineer with experience in aviation projects, so he was more in his element than the rest of us, but we all joined in the wonder of that magical moment. In less than ten years, we'd done it. We could do ANYTHING if we set our minds, hearts, and resources on it.

How in heaven's name did we let that magic escape? When did can-do become can't-do, shouldn't-do, mustn't-do? The quest to see what's over the next hill is as old as humanity. In fact, it's one of our defining elements. The threats are different, but the challenge remains the same: to open the next frontier. We know where the frontiers are. We have the people brave enough to challenge them. What we seem to lack is the will to try, and even the understanding of why we must try. But if we don't push on, we'll lose what makes our species special (at least special in a good way) -- and we will doom our planet and everything living on it in the process. Alone among the creatures on this planet, humans have the capacity to extend earthly life into the cosmos. With all the talk about the threat to our planet, you'd think this would be reason enough to move on to space.

We need another visionary. Who will lead us there?

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Michael Wheat — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:08:50 GMT

I was sitting in the closed circuit TV station on board the aircraft carrier USS Hornet listening to the activities on the radio feed. As a Navy journalist, I had a front row seat for the South Pacific splashdown and recovery as President Nixon greeted the astronauts home.

It was an amazing experience.

Mike
Pryor, OK

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ellen, PA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:11:16 GMT

I was only about 2 months old, so my mom propped me up in an infant seat and pointed me toward the television. Then she bragged for the next 40 years about how I saw men land on the moon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Alexandra, SF — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:11:29 GMT

On Nikola Tesla's birthday. Who knew?

I was eight years old, sitting between my parents on the foot of their bed in Connecticut, watching our small b/w TV a few feet away.

They made me stay up way past my bedtime for the landing vigil. My parents had to keep shaking me to keep me awake. I am forever grateful for that "bad parenting" and the memory I have today.

It made an impression. For years later, the only the poster I had up on my walls was "Earthrise."

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jim Richard, Stockton, Calif — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:15:41 GMT

I was in Richmond Ca. with my young family trying to ajust the brightness and contrast of a portable black and white tv that i had not to long lnstalled a picture tube brightner and could not tell if I was getting good resilution of the picture family standing around when a young wife next door was very angry with words from her parents that God was mad and did not want man up ther in space when I recieved a tetephone call from a Southern Pacific supervisor to come to work to Emeryville calif 25 miles away to help fix a broken rail I which I had to follow the rest of the dialoge of the conversation from the moon to the earth on the car radio.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ginger Gainer, San Diego, CA. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:16:26 GMT

I was working a summer job as a college kid in Grand Teton National Park. A magical, adventuresome summer for this So.Cal girl. I held the distinguished position of chamber maid. I attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, and my new best friend...40 years later...STILL my best friend, attended Smith College. She was the senior chamber maid, who taught me how to clean cabins...an exaulted position. So, there we were...about 30 kids... all crammed into a company supervisor's trailer, who had one of the only 2 TV's in the whole national park, with coat hanger antennas wired up the adjacent pine tree. It worked...we got to see Neil Armstrong take his first step on the moon!! I became a Flight Attendant, then International Purser for a major airline...34 years worth. My friend, the exaulted instructor chamber maid, went on to Yale, got a masters, and has been a consultant to the likes of the Oracle of Omaha himself. Whenever we get together, at my home in Jackson Hole now, we still savor the excitement and comeraderie of that moment. Work in a National Park, kids...it will be an experience you'll always treasure!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Wayne Holmes, Mountlake Terrace, Wash — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:16:38 GMT

I was 13, and living in Vancouver Washington. Our local paper (The Columbian) ran a full page spread of the Earth-Moon transit, with the expected times for major events (TLI, LOI, Descent, Ascent, TEI and Reentry) on the graphic. I had that graphic posted in my room, and I would move the pins along the flight path as the mission progressed.

I remembered pretending I was in Mission Control watching that big display I saw on TV.

For the landing I was glued to our black & white TV. I knew just enought to realize that things were not quite right during the descent because of the "program alarm" calls. Once they landed the picture cut back to Walter Cronkite wiping his brow.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Scott Terre Haute, IN — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:16:44 GMT

I was 7, watching it alone in my living room. My mom didn't want to watch. I just realized that my 10 year old sister was not watching either. I'll have to ask her if she did get to watch it somewhere.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Paul Hughes, Carson City, Nevada — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:20:13 GMT

So glad you asked this question, because that day or evening to be precise was the single most influential event in my life. I was only 4 and a half years old, but I remember it almost as if it was yesterday. Not fully understanding the magnitude of the event on TV, my father took me outside a few minutes after Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. He put me on his shoulders and pointed up to the moon, and told me there were men up there walking around. I remember saying that I think I can see them - little black dots. My dad the engineering scientist corrected me of course, and it was then that the universe of possibility opened up to me. To be so young and to know that we humans can leave the planet and walk another planetary body. It set a very deep imprint on my life, and my facination and passion for all things space has never waivered. I went on to major in Astronautics and Physics before making some significant career changes later in life. I only wish we would have another significant event to catalyze this time a permanent move to full space migration.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Russ, Central Texas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:20:35 GMT

I was at home in my room, enjoying the sight on the first TV I ever owned (a 19-inch black and white my parents had given me for my tenth birthday a few days before). They were utterly uninterested in the moon shot and were watching Hayride on the downstairs TV (never missed it). Just as the first ghostly images of Neil Armstrong stepping off the ladder onto the lunar surface came across, the neighbor girl rattled my window and demanded to be let in as the TV at her house was broken. I let her in and we both watched the first step together.

I married her 12 years later and divorced her 4 years after that.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

C. Williams, Chapel Hill, NC — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:20:47 GMT

I was 12 years old in 1969, and as a child of both the Gemini and Apollo programs, sat in front of the television with my heart pounding as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon's surface and announced, "Houston, this is Tranquility Base; the Eagle has landed." I was thrilled because they accomplished this magical feat and, as most children raised during the "Cold War," because we had officially won the race to the moon and beat the Russians.
After calming down from the excitement of the landing, I remember the seemingly interminable wait for Neil Armstrong to step outside the lunar module and begin his descent to the surface (interminable being relative to a 12-year-old's sense of time). My grandmother, who was a spry 74-year-old at the time, lived with us and normally went to bed between 9-10pm. I teasingly asked my grandmother if she was going to go to bed if the delays ran past her bedtime. She said, "No. I saw the first car in Sampson County [NC] and I'm going to stay up and see the first man walk on the moon." She did and we did, and 40 years later it is one of my most enduring memories from childhood. It was a night where anything was possible.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Traci Barela — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:22:33 GMT

I was 8 1/2 years old living in Richland, WA. We watched the landing I think in the afternoon, my parents had returned from a short trip while we stayed with friends. Then I was woken up later for the actual first walk on the moon. I am going to go search times for those both.. as they are distinct memories AND I notice that people are reporting one or the other,but not necessarily all the same.
Wow, either I was zonked or had a real early bedtime... or perhaps am mixing it with all the various launches and landings we got up and watched.

Lunar landing July 20, 1969 20:17:40 UTC

At 02:56 UTC on July 21 (10:56pm EDT, July 20), 1969, Armstrong made his descent to the Moon's surface and spoke his famous line "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind"[16][17][18][19][20] exactly six and a half hours after landing.[1] Aldrin joined him, describing the view as "Magnificent desolation."[21]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11
wikipedia

I have very strong memories of my first exam session in college being the first landing of the Shuttle. We were all torqued that we had to be sitting an exam while that first shuttle landed! Dec. early 1979.

Then my husband got to work while at Caltech 84-85 on the first shuttle based imaging radar soddering in chips and stuff.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

M. Steffan Scottsdale Az — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:24:45 GMT

My husband and I had traveled from MN to Gainesville, with our four children, where my husband was writing the Florida State Pharmaceutical Boards when Apollo was launched. We were in St. Louis, MO when they walked on the moon. My husband, who was a space enthusiast, was trying desperately to keep our five yr. old son awake. He said, "You have to stay awake so some day you can tell your grandchildren that you saw man walk on the moon for the first time." Our son said, "I will tell them I was too tired and fell asleep." Later that summer all 40 kids from our block were a "kitchen band" dressed in red, white and blue and marched in a Kiddie Parade with an miniature Apollo II Space craft in a wagon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jeremy C. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:25:40 GMT

I was not born until a year and a half after Apollo 17, the last US moon mission. Nonetheless, I have been enthralled by the idea of the exploration of space ever since I can remember. I've often wished that I had been present to witness the golden age of Apollo.

I think that the gestation of my interest came about thanks to my upbringing in rural Missouri, with its then unbroken and unpolluted views of the nighttime sky - I don't know if it is still so. The sheer beauty and magnitude of the Milky Way and the stars had left an indelible impression on me, and has inspired my imagination ever since.

I was lucky enough to be around for the first Space Shuttle launch, and can remember vividly the day when my first-grade teacher wheeled a television into our classroom to watch the proceedings.

My personal high point in terms of space-flight enthusiasm came in 2004, when I attended the "First Private Manned Spaceflight" of Scaled Composite's Spaceship One at the Mojave "Spaceport". This event demonstrated to me that, even given limited resources, we really can do anything which we really set our mind to. I still have my entry ticket, #932.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Tom Vilot — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:26:45 GMT

I was six years old --- and it is one of my earliest memories. I remember looking at the moon and thinking: "There are human beings up there ... RIGHT NOW!"

I was old enough to recognize what a monumental achievement it was (and still is).

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jerry Rand, Alameda, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:27:03 GMT

I was playing Putt-Putt just outside Cleveland, OH with my friend, Bruce. We were the only 2 people on the course. The proprietor of the place called out to us on the loudspeaker. He had a small black and white TV and told us to come on over to watch the guys step onto the Moon. It was a surreal moment.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Erik Pedersen, Chico, Ca. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:27:33 GMT

I was a mere 6 months old when this astounding event occured. I really don't have much of a recollection of the actual event, but was told that my father had propped me up in front of the t.v. to watch this momentous occasion. He said later, "Even if you don't remember it, you watched it." Just as I also watched President Nixons resignation speach. Thanks dad.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Greg, Chicago, IL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:29:13 GMT

I was 15, watching the moon landing on our Magnavox B&W TV in the living room of our ranch-style house in a little farm town located between Grinnell and Iowa City on old highway 6. I had grown up watching Walter Cronkite broadcast Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. I never missed a launch. Like you, I owned a 3 inch refractor and I assembled it and took it outside to see if I could catch a glimpse of a sun flash off the command module. (No such luck.) I remember being excited and worried for the crew. It was an historic moment and I knew it, but I was also worried about their safety. (Too many episodes of the Outer Limits.) Only later, as an adult, did I fully realize just how courageous those explorers were and the strength, talent and intellgence of the people who helped them get there. A few years later, Dr. James Van Allen was my instructor for Astronomy at Iowa.

Today, I hear teenagers refer to this or that as "awesome." If you grew up during the time of Apollo, you fully understand what awesome stands for.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

John Koziol, Tallahassee, Florida — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:30:49 GMT

Looking back, I really can't explain what transfixed me about the space program.

I was a little boy held in awe watching the last of the Mercury flights and then the Gemini series, when I could, on our Zenith console TV. I cried real tears when the deaths of the Apollo 1 astronauts were broadcast on the PA of my elementary school while most of my schoolmates looked at me as if I was crazy. I was vaguely familar with whom White and Chaffee were at the time but Gus Grissom was a hero! Gus Grissom died! A hero died!

As all small children do I got over it pretty quickly.

I recall not being impressed with the Apollo 7 mission because they didn't go anywhere. I didn't understand the concept of a safe mission to try out new hardware at the time.

Apollo 8 filled me with a sense of wonder. They were orbitting the moon! The moon! Of course, I was distracted by Christmas and the anticipation of presents as I was all of 8 years old. Frank Borman was the media darling of that mission and he was added to my pantheon of heroes.

Apollo 9 is a cypher to me. I can't recall anything about that shot. A pop song, the Monkees; something else must have taken front seat that I can't remember now.

Apollo 10 I followed as closely as a 9 year old could. When the LM descended towards the lunar surface I was mentally begging them to continue on and land. I could not understand how they could get so close and not just go all the way. Oh, it was frustrating for a young and impatient space junkie.

Then came 11. THE moonshot. I followed every little interview on TV and article in the paper - the Miami Herald in my neck of the woods. It was summertime and I had no school and no other responsibilities so I watched every televised moment of the mission.

It's funny - every one talks about Walter Cronkite and Wally Schirra's telecasts of the mission as being the definitive broadcasts. I have to say that Cronkite's lack of technical savvy turned me off even at that young age even though I knew then, somehow, that he was a news icon.

My TV hero for Apollo 11 was ABC News' Jules Bergman. The man knew his stuff. He would pick up his little models of the CM and LM and show how they worked and what they would do and you just knew he knew exactly what he was talking about. I also remember bit pieces on NBC by a very enthusiastic Jay Barbree who's still following NASA to this day. I don't know whatever happened to Bergman but he deserves attention for his insights and reporting.

July 20 1969: I sat on the floor a few feet from the old Zenith console while my parents sat several feet behind on the couch when the Eagle landed, in the evening our time. It was Christmas and the Fourth of July all rolled into one for me. My parents, alas, were less than elated. The TV said that the astronauts would take a rest period before leaving the LM and that meant BEDTIME to the folks.

I whined and cajoled and...just before being forced to bed the TV announced that the astronauts would be coming out soon! I reclaimed my spot on the carpet and watched various news analysts debate whther the men would sink into lunar dust and what other calamities may befell them.

Finally, FINALLY, a bit after 10 PM they exited the LM. The static-laced images came through as well as Armstrongs famous first words: "One small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind". He then moved around a bit and, belatedly, the TV image was overlaid with a "MAN ON MOON" caption. Or something like that; I'm sure I could look it up but it would steal from the memory.

After a while of watching my parent insisted I go to bed. It must have been around midnight and, frankly, I was so tired with anticipation and the excitement that I didn't complain.

The next morning the Herald headline was "MAN ON MOON" in the largest type I had ever seen. I sat at our dining room table until my Dad was finished with the paper and passed it over to me (I had been an avid reader for a while by that time). I read it quickly and without depth; I waited for my Dad's attention to move elsewhere. Then I took the front page and stashed it in my room to keep what I thought was forever (It was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992).

The later missions didn't impact me as much. I remember Shepard's golf drive and a few other things from the successful missions. The Apollo 13 crisis was surreal to me - I thought that NASA was infallible and that it was all going to be OK and it wasn't until years later that I understood how wrong I was and the depth of the crisis.

I'm 49 now and it's almost 37 years since the end of the moon missions. In 1974 I had to do a report for school on the Space Shuttle. I thought it was a great idea but when I saw it was limited to low earth orbit I knew, even at that age, that human spaceflight was going to be limited to a low ceiling for a long time to come. So when Viking landed on Mars shortly thereafter I wanted; no, I needed proof of life to be found to give us a reason to go out again.

Even if the most ambitious plans of NASA are funded to fruition, with typical teething delays, I'll be 70+ before a man walks on Mars. Buzz and Neil will no longer be with us. It doesn't seem fair.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

P. Lyons, Glassboro NJ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:31:02 GMT

In July 1969, I lived in Havertown PA. That night,I was making hoagies and slicing lunchmeat at my first job as a teenager. We watched the event on a small black and white portable TV in the Deli. Like a lot of kids at the time, I was always interested in the Space Program and wanted to be a part of it in some way.

One day years later, at work, I was assigned to a new workspace in Denver. My desk was in a round room, which I thought was really strange. No windows either. I was told it was an actual room that was used to train the astronauts on a centrifuge. So I guess that was the day that I was connected at last to the Space Program in my own little way.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

George Dessert, Bridgeport, WV — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:31:11 GMT

I was in the control room at WTAP-TV in Parkersburg, WV where I had started working earlier in the year after getting discharged from the USAF. All work stopped and everyone was in there watching it in awe.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ron Cram, Salt Lake City, Utah — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:32:11 GMT

I had just become a teenager in the spring of '69.
My parents had randomly picked moonwalk Sunday to move our family of seven from the Idaho border to Midvale, Utah.

I'd always had a very adventurous and stubborn personality. Now that I was a don't-mess-with-me-teenager, I announced to my parents that I would not be joining the family in the car and moving truck. I had decided, instead, to ride my newly purchased bicycle the 120+ miles to our new house. By myself, thank you very much.

My Mom fretted that I wouldn't have enough to eat. Or drink. What if I had a flat tire (I ended up having 2 of them). What about an emergency. This was way before water bottles and cell phones.

I spent what little money I had on a couple of candy bars and a soda, being careful not to spend the two emergency dimes in my wallet. (For you youngsters, that's what it used to cost for a pay phone. Heh, I said youngsters).

It took me 12 hours of hot, dusty, grueling, mountain/canyon/blacktop riding. Not too bad for a little kid on a one-speed bike.

I remember all I could think about the last few hours of pedaling and pedaling that never seemed to end was how much I wanted water. My only focus towards the end was to drink cold water until I couldn't drink any more and then have a long shower until my skin pruned up.

When I staggered through the door of our new place everybody was watching TV. Armstrong and Aldrin had landed ON THE MOON and were just waiting in their odd-looking little capsule-contraption jobbie. I excused myself to go have my long shower. I ran the water until all the hot water was gone. To my recollection, just as the water ran out my Mom and Dad were pounding on the bathroom door telling me to hurry and watch the astronauts walk on the moon.

I was so exhausted. Wasted would be the proper description. I remember thinking how bizarre it all seemed that here I was after my long ordeal with barely enough energy to move a finger, and feeling as if my legs were made of lead and these guys take a long trip and they're hopping, laughing, and jumping around all weightless-like. It just didn't seem right.

I also remember thinking how I'd never forget the day my own little personal achievement coincided with arguably the greatest achievement of mankind.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Larry Medoff — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:33:52 GMT

For some reason i can't remember today, I was in Saigon, Vietnam on a TDY assignment. I had just got in from the field (25th Inf. Div. in Tay Ninh). An acquatince suggested we go to the USO and watch the landing live (it was daytime in Vietnam!). I had no idea that a satelite relay path had been established just so we GI's could watch the event, and needless to say was elated. You see before I was drafted, while in college, I worked as a math technician at GE's Space Technology Center outside Phila., Pa. Our section there did structural design work on the SNAP-27 power supply unit for the Lander. And here I was, a world away, coming from an outpost in the middle of nowhere. You have no idea how surreal that felt. As Armstrong stepped out, I remember being almost overwhelmed with emotion. I felt so proud. I had tears in my eyes. Here was this "grunt" briefly "coming in from the cold"; and by sheer luck was able to watch an historic event that had such personal meaning and relevance. With all the direful stuff going on, I count that experience as the highlight of my tour over there.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Brian Nickels, Houston, TX — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:33:54 GMT

I grew up in Titusville Florida. Titusville is located directly across the Indian River from the Kennedy Space Center and launch pad 39A. My mother and most of my neighbors worked for NASA or one of the myriads of contractors that made this miracle possible. We followed the progress of the spacecraft on the slow crawl from the VAB to the pad and watched, for what seemed like months prior to the launch, the preparations going on. In the days before the launch, Titusville, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding area had swelled to bursting with people wanting to view the flight. Hotels were sold out for miles. People crowded the riverfront jockeying for the best viewing position. As seasoned veteran rocket observers we had our site on the river picked out in advance.

We had walked down to the river early, threading our way through the crowds, dodging the bumper to bumper traffic to view the launch. At 9:30AM, and just over a month shy of my tenth birthday, I watched the first flames spew from the mighty Saturn V. Moments later you could hear the rumble and feel the ground shake of the five main engines as the spacecraft slowly rose from the pad. We followed the flight of the spacecraft through the first stage separation and watched it disappear in the heavens.

Four days later on the afternoon of July 20 we watched and listened to the landing of the Eagle on the moon. That night, I was allowed to stay up and watch the first pictures of man walking on the moon. At first the images were hard to distinguish, it took a little while to make out what was happening on the screen.

I watched every Apollo mission take off from the pad. After Apollo 11, moonshots became “old hat”. People did not seem to care about them anymore. The drama surrounding the aborted flight of Apollo 13 briefly re-kindled the public’s interest in Apollo and space in general. Unfortunately the interest quickly faded. The last, Apollo 17 was a night mission. It lit up the neighborhood so brightly you could read from the light of the engines.

After Apollo 17, NASA went through massive layoffs. After all, we had been to the moon, why waste money on space? People that had been “Rocket Scientists” were out of work and scrambling to pay the bills. Titusville was devastated, like many of my friends we moved away and Titusville reverted back to a sleepy little town on the Indian River.

To me, Apollo was NASA at it’s best. NASA never really recovered from the slowdown. Yes, they have had some spectacular successes since then, but it cannot compare to the energy and excitement that coursed through the organization during the Apollo era. During the time of Apollo 11, many believed that by 2000 we would have a base on the moon and have landed a man on Mars. Over the years I have often wondered if we had continued our investment in space where would we be now?

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Larry Medoff — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:35:18 GMT

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Harry L. Simpkins — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:37:19 GMT

I was 10 years old at the time, and the recipient of what could be called a mixed blessing. We had no television at the time, however I got to watch the first step on the moon because I had awakened in the hospital the day before. I was recovering from rheumatic fever in Guthrie's Hospital in Huntington, WV.

The mixed blessing part comes in because I was able to talk the staff into letting me go to the lobby on that floor to watch man's first steps on the moon. Due to having been hospitalized, I was at a place with a television set.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Frank Beacham, New York City — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:39:47 GMT

I was a young reporter sent by a South Carolina radio station to Cape Kennedy to cover the flight of Apollo 11. The night before the launch I stood in line at the press center for credentials. I remember it well because in line next to me was Norman Mailer, the writer who would go on to write "Of a Fire on the Moon" describing the mission to the moon.

Once credentialed, I took a bus to the Kennedy Space Center, first to the VIP and press viewing areas. There was no sleep that night. As the hours before the launch progressed, we were taken to the base of the Saturn 5 rocket that hours later would take the three astronauts on the first voyage to the moon. It was dark, and I'll never forget the gleaming white tower under the intense spotlights. The scene was truly surreal.

As daybreak came, members of the press were taken to see the astronauts leave their quarters and enter a vehicle that would take them a mile or so away to the Saturn 5. I shot pictures of the three men in their spacesuits as they walked toward the bus.

In those days there was little security and members of the media were given much freedom, unlike today. Once the astronauts left, we then went to the VIP area, where Vice President Lyndon Johnson, many members of Congress, governors and celebrities gathered. I took a photograph of Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon, and many other VIPs waiting for the launch.

As the 9:32 a.m. launch time approached, we were taken finally to the press viewing area near the VIP section. I watched Walter Cronkite do his coverage from a wooden platform. Every kind of camera and lens was assembled there to record the launch. I had borrowed a long lens for my own Nikon and it worked quite nicely when it had to.

When the big rocket finally went up, the ground shook and the sky brightened. It's was a roar I'll never forget. Yes, I knew I was witnessing history but it would be days later, when Neil Armstrong stepped from the lunar capsule that I realized how important a day it really was.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Thomas Ashby — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:48:47 GMT

The landing took place just before dinner time EDT and surely others from the family were watching it but it wouldn't surprise me if I was the only one watching..really. Not everyone was in love with space. I am sure there are untold millions that just didn't bother. I also remember my wife telling me she was 7 when she saw it and had the feeling it was all rigged...like something from Hollywood!

I think many however were waiting with bated breath for the first words to be spoken but would have to come back some 6 hours later. Oddly enough, I recall thinking how "unprofound" his words were. They grammatically didn't make sense. "..small step for man...one giant leap for mankind". There is no "a" in the transmission but Armstrong swears he said it. I do remember watching into the early morning as the trundeled around until I probably fell asleep.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Chari Mercier, St. Petersburg, FLorida — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:02:38 GMT

I've been following the US space program ever since Alan Shephard flew his suborbital flight in 1961, the very first US space flight after the Russians got ahead of us. I was in 3rd grade that year. Since then, every space flight that the US had flown has been remarkable in more ways than anyone could count. I have seen every Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Spaceshuttle launches on TV, and I have enjoyed the ride! My family and I were in St. Louis, Missouri, about a month when Apollo 11 lifted off the Cape Canaveral launch pad on July 16, 1969. I was able to watch that launch on TV, and yes, we had a color TV then! I kept track of the flight thru the daily news reports on NBC and CBS. On July 20, we were all in the living room watching TV for the big event, and no one disappointed! We wound up watching Walter Cronkite on the CBS channel while they were tracking the landing of the Eagle moonlander with Buzz Aldrin and Neal Armstrong aboard. Apparently, there was a little bit of a scare as they were landing on the moon, but it was very successful. Then, after about an hour of waiting, the first man on the moon happened when Neal set his feet on the moon's sandy soil LIVE ON TV! That was awesome, and the technology that they had in 1969 was great to have to be able to watch the whole thing happen on live TV! WOW!!! After the Apollo 1 tragedy that killed three astronauts, that was a huge accomplishment on NASA's part to stay on course with President Kennedy's directive to land a man on the moon before that decade ended, and by golly, we did it and beat the Russians to it! It was a great historic space race then, and look how far we all have come since then. With communism long gone and buried in Russia, both they and the US have had very good cooperation in the space flight program since the Mir space station and now the huge ISS, which literally dwarfs both the MIR and Spacelab! Now, we are on the last leg of a journey in the shuttle space flight program that is working towards finishing the ISS by the end of 2010 before the last 3 shuttles go into retirement. Kudos to Challenger, Columbia, Endeavor, Atlantis, and Discovery for their hard working availability to carry astronauts from the US and other countries on the many space flight missions that were done since around 1980. Even tho we lost 14 astronauts in the Challenger/Columbia tragedies, the NASA space program has largely been a huge success, and I will definitely miss watching these magnificent spaceships launch into space after the very last flight in late 2010. I WILL REALLY MISS THIS AND WILL DEFINITELY HAVE SPACE FLIGHT WITHDRAWALS! YUK!!! I'm 56 years old now, and I am looking forward to the new space program that NASA is putting together that will eventually send people back to the moon and eventually on to Mars in the next several years. I hope that I will still be here to see most of that happen! Space exploration is a very important scientific component of our American heritage now, and we all need to keep embracing it and honor the people that are making this happen. Now that the Hubble has been repaired for another 10 years or so, we will be seeing more of those great pictures of the galaxy that only Hubble can give us! That will keep astronomers and scientists very busy for years to come! And, we will be the beneficiaries of this so that we can tell our kids and grandkids of our accomplishments in space.
Chari Mercier :)
St. Pete, FL

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Chris Wolven Lakewood, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:03:06 GMT

I was 9 yrs old (almost 10) and living in the south suburbs of Chicago. I remember My dad calling us all in from playing outside to watch the landing. We couldn't figure out why it was dark up there while it was still light outside. I still have papers and magazines from that time (thanks to my dad). I remember being excited and glad that they had made it safe. I followed the space program from then on and am still i awe of the great machines we have made.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

John Koziol, Tallahassee, Florida — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:04:51 GMT

Great story, Forrest

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Paul, Ashland, Ohio — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:09:55 GMT

The only "live" TV at the Guantanamo Naval Base in 1969 was a Cuban station from Santiago de Cuba. So, while I listened to the first moon walk on Armed Forces Radio, I contented myself with watching the Soviet Fleet sail into Havanna Harbor on Cuban TV. I didn't see the video of the moon walk until sometime in August, 1969.

Today I suppose Gitmo is so connected that iPhones work down there.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Andrea Weir — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:18:00 GMT

I was just 10 days old when we landed on the moon, but my dad held me up to the TV so I could "see" the historic event.

Nearly 40 years later I was privileged to be at the launch of STS-125 on my daughter's 4th birthday(May 11)along with my husband & other 4 kids(ages 12, 10, 7 & 6 months) What an experience for all of us. Words can not begin to decribe what it was like to be physically present at a space shuttle launch- feeling the ground shake, hearing the crack of the engines & then watching the crew capture & fix the Hubble. To be able to show our kids what is possible when people work as a team-both in space & on the ground-is a life lesson too few people learn. The experience gave our kids the ability to see dreams realized & know that they too can reach their goals-no matter if it is flying to the moon or conquering that tough math problem.

The human desire to explore & learn is so tangible in what we as a nation have accomplished in maned space flight over the last 40 years. I look forward to what we will accomplish in the next forty & can not wait for the day I can watch once again a person step on to the surface of the moon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Edwin R."Bob" Adams, San Antonio, TX. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:27:30 GMT

I was on duty at the tracking station on Merritt Island, FL. Our shift was ending, but the supervisor kept us on-- no change in personnel while that crucial operation was playing out. A secret: the first words from the moon were"Engines off!" That was followed by Armstrong's famous,"Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed." More than one of us had moist eyes-- my partner at the transmitter/USB station pointed down and said,"Well, they're down!" After all the years of preparation, the mission had been accomplished!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

B D Howard, (then) Chicago IL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:28:06 GMT

Watching on TV at the bar of Mt. Tremblant Ski Resort in Canada, proud to be an American (~19 with #48 SSA lottery ticket) Break from motorcycle trip to East Coast, to visit friends and ultimately attend Woodstock; later blew up that Royal Enfield 736 Interceptor on Cape Cod but meet a wonderful lady in the process. What a summer!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

YS APPARAO,VISAKHAPATNAM, AP, INDIA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:29:40 GMT

i was 14 years boy the live brodcsting of Wasington
DC through local station ,i was just herd that a man laded on moon it is quit amazing for me.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Debbie Martin, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:30:26 GMT

I was almost 14 and at Lake Metigoshe in ND with my family. My Dad made us come home early to see the moon landing. I remember it was delayed and we could have stayed a lot longer at the lake, but I also remember them stepping out, and hopping around and how exciting it was when it finally happened.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Shelley Gardner, Little River, SC — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:32:35 GMT

Amazingly, I had a summer job that year in a small NASA support library run by a defense contractor at the Greenbelt NASA facility. The run up to the landing was exciting - we could pick up any phone in our facility and listen to conversations between the astronauts and mission control in Houston. The evening of July 20 my future husband and I watched the landing at my parents' house (my Dad worked on the telemetry for the Apollo project) and I remember the chills I felt as the lunar module descended to the moon's surface and the total elation (and tears) when the module touched down safely. Because there was going to be some time before Armstrong would exit the module and actually walk on the moon, we decided to watch that at a friend's house where a small party was being held. When Armstrong finally exited and made his way down the steps to the lunar surface, cheers went up and I cried again from the excitement and relief for their safety. At midnight (July 21), I turned 20 and the world seemed so filled with promise. Going back to work at Greenbelt was exhilarating with the level of excitement we all felt, but also knowing one of the most difficult parts of the mission was yet to come - lifting off and redocking with the command module. Hearing the astronaut's voices on the phones filled us with pride and a sense of being part of history for our small part in the mission. Every step in the mission - from blastoff to reentry - was fraught with danger. But the engineers and scientists at NASA has worked for years planning and working on contingencies so that success was the only acceptable option. To this day I feel tremendous pride in all the Americans who worked on the space program and in all the ingenious technologies that resulted from their work. But I am most proud of my Dad who worked on the space program from the early 1950's until the early 1970's. He believed that one day all of us would be traveling regularly to the moon and possibly living there. Even though I am now 60, I would love to be one of the first people to help colonize the moon (the first librarian on the moon!) and fulfill my dreams and my Dad's prophecy. The promise of Apollo 11 has yet to be fulfilled.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ellin Beltz, Ferndale, California — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:41:17 GMT

I was 13, my dad was driving, mom passenger in our 1966 white 4door Lincoln Continental. We were going from Chicago to New Jersey & when the Eagle actually landed we were somewhere in Ohio. Rain was pouring down the windshield as the radio announcer became more and more excited. Dad pulled to the side of the road. The rain hammered the car. We heard the astronaut talking, down, down they went to the surface, then nothing. After what seemed an eternity, we heard "The Eagle has Landed." And in reply the announcer said "Roger Tranquility Base, you had a lotta guys turning blue down here." My parents breathed out. Dad said, "Add three more," and started honking the horn like a madman. We drove home (probably over the limit) and actually got home in time to watch, on a newly purchased color television, the black and white images of Neil Armstrong taking humanity one small step from home; and a gigantic leap forward. One world. One love. Thank you for your story, it brought back such wonderful memories.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dean, La Canada, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:43:43 GMT

I was 13 yrs old, I was on a trip with a childhood friend and his parents. We were at the Johnson space center in Houston on the day they launched to go to the moon, July 16th. Mission control was busy.
Later I was in North Carolina when they landed at around 4:00pm in the afternoon. We watch the b/w TV in the evening of the first moon walk. We later visited Kitty Hawk, what a great trip.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Patrick Connors, Chicago, Illinois — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:43:52 GMT

I was a 25 year old draftee who was 6 months into my 2 years in the army. I was stationed at Ft Bragg in North Carolina. I flew to Washington DC on a weekend pass to meet two friends from high school back in Chicago. They came down from New Jersy and Connecticut. We stayed in the hotel across from the Watergate (was it a Howard Johnson's - the one where the Watergate burgler's lookout was posted a few years later). We went to the Smithsonian to see the landing on an enormous projection TV. I remember walking past the display of missles and rockets in the museum to arrive at the viewing area. I recall that I was told it was the first time the Smithsonian had ever been open that late for visitors - all in 2 days, then back to Fayetteville.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

john nicoletti — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:48:01 GMT

This is a great article...the shame is...human endevor is being wasted....no one can afford to send people to the moon anymore...let alone paying bills...and, I am not only speaking of individuals...but....corporations and governments.....

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Sam, Burnaby, Vancouver — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:53:51 GMT

My Papi and his friend were building our first hog pen, and we had a small transistor radio with a live feed from Houston. I still have a vivid picture of everything around me at that moment.

It's a pity that young people don't appreciate the effort and probably aren't even aware of what a "Giant leap for mankind" it was.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave Mills, Fort Lauderdale — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:59:30 GMT

I was a 13-year-old at a summer camp with friends on Cape Cod.

As some others have mentioned - can it be 40 years...already? - I was watching a fuzzy black and white TV and trying to figure out what part of the lunar module I was looking at. The figure of Neil Armstrong was a fuzzy bright blur.

But it absolutely made my summer...and I never looked at the moon the same way again.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mark Moss, Nashville, TN — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:01:02 GMT

I watched it on the TV in the commons area of a college dormitory at the University of Missouri in Rolla. I was a high school senior and was there checking the School of Mining out.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

R Hooper, Lyman, ME — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:17:12 GMT

I was 5 years old. My Mom got me out of bed to watch.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jennifer, Kodiak, AK — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:21:34 GMT

Well...I wasn't born, my parents were 4-5 at the time. I really wish I was there though, it seems like it was really exciting. T-T

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Brenda (Hurt) Trujillo — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:23:29 GMT

I will be 50 years old this month. My family moved to northern New Mexico sometime in the Fall of 1964; a mountain blocked TV reception from Albuquerque so the TV was sold. For 8 years our family thrived without television. I rememder cartoons, Walt Disney World and a few other shows viewed occasionally over the years; but I'll always remember 2 special TV viewing occasions between Fall of 1965 and Spring of 1970. One was with a TV plugged into a radio tower about 1/4 mile from our home and the other was with all the students at St. Thomas Catholic school crowded into the living room of the convent. One of these occasions was the July 20th, 1969 Lunar landing - it was one day after my 10th birthday.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mike Robinson, Central City, IA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:27:14 GMT

I was 6 years old. I remember the excitement that preceeded the landing and what seemed like forever waiting on the astronauts to emerge from "The Eagle." Too long, in fact, for a little six-year-old, and I either retired to my bed on my own accord or an even likelier result was that someone like my dad had carried me to my room. But when I awoke, there was my dad saying to me "Mike, wake up. Come and see. They are about to walk on the moon."
I can still hear the words in my ears. I don't know how long it took for me to become alert because in my memory I hear the persistence in his voice as though he was not about to let me sleep through this moment in time. I am beyond grateful that he was so determined.
My first cognizant thought when I entered the living room was "Why is the TV still on this late?" In 1969, there was no such thing as all-night television broadcasts, and so it was something of a curiosity.
But I was hushed immediately by both Mom and Dad because Neil Armstong was speaking those now-famous few words. "What did he say," my mom asked. "I don't know," my dad says just Walter Kronkite repeated the scratchy audio for all to hear in clarity: "That's one small step for man; one giant step for mankind."
Well, I was too young to have recalled "I have a dream today" and "Ask not what your country can do for you," but this was my baptism into a profound appreciation for historical events that occur in the course of one's lifetime. Because I and millions of other people like me saw it happen as it happened, I have always taken a little bit ownership to the event. I was six years old, and therefore but a spectator to history instead of someone who had actually participated in the event, and yet I lay claim to that moment in time as if I somehow has earned the privilege to do so. And Dad was so utterly proud and almost giddy in that moment, I belive that he, too, was staking his claim on this defining chapter in human history.
And I think I understand why that might have been. It is beyond comprehension that my dad, who was born in 1920 and who watched his father plow fields behind a team of horses, saw, in only his 50th year of life, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin bouncing about the lunar surface on a hot summer night in July 1969. That was a far cry from the farm kid who helped out his family during the Depression by going to work when he was 12 and the young Army infantryman who fought to keep this country free in World War II. "That kind of stuff was science fiction," Dad would elaborate years later. "No one ever thought that WE would go to the moon."
"We," that is, he and I, never did go to the moon, of course, but that is how the two of us would phrase the experience when we would recount that amazing night. After all, all of mankind went to the moon with Armstong and Aldrin and Pilot Michael Collins. And so did "we."
"Hey, Mike! Do you still remember the night WE went to the moon?" He always asked me that question periodically over the remainder of his life as if to see how much of the information I retained over the years.
Yeah, Dad. I still do.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Lee Nixon, Missoula ,MT — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:34:51 GMT

I remember the tv picture being so bad that I couldn't really tell what was going on at first. And then when Armstrong finally did come out, the space suit he was wearing looked big and heavy and clumsy. Not at all like the comic book heroes I was used to. And I don't think the first step on the moon was really a step--more like a little hop because the ladder didn't reach down far enough. And then there was the dust. Lots and lots of it and it just hung there instead of returning to the surface like it would have here on earth. Awesome, but a little eerie all at the same time.
But 13, of course, was the wrencher. During re-entry there was the usual radio black-out due to ionization in the atmosphere. And it seemed like forever before we heard from those guys again. When the silence was finally broken everyone came to the realization that they hadn't taken a breath for a long, long time. I don't remember what the first words were, but I know I was doing a big <Whew!!>

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Carl Ottersen, Andora, Italy — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:36:22 GMT

I was 13 and living in CapeTown, South Africa.

There was no TV in South Africa at the time but the newspapers were working overtime to produce updates - and of course there was the radio. So I was going between radio set in the lounge and newsstand every few hours.

One thing from there was the fear amongst many of the Dutch Reformed Church that man should be doing this. 'Scratchings on the Moon' were seen as a bad omen - proved right to some not long afterwards as the Cape was hit by a few, rare and deadly, earth tremors.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

CHIEF ROBERTS, Arizona — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:50:14 GMT

I was on the beach waiting for lift off with my Mom who started to cry when she saw the lift off and my wife and our infant children standing on the car and in a baby carrier watching. We were sprayed by a low flying plane with insecticides to kill the mosquitos we had no warning the plane was coming.
That was terrifying. The ground was shaking and the liftoff was in clear site till out of sight. I recall driving back from cape kennedy, cape canaveral towards new york and by the time we made it to Maryland by car they had already reached the moon incredible backup in traffic. Most of us slept on the beach in cars to watch lift off. It was a an American moment with my three generations of family looking into the future. Touching.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Herbert Sweet — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 07:56:42 GMT

Like most, I was watching the event on TV. I also recorded it with the 'high tech' of the day. That was a 35 mm camera taking slide shots of the TV images!

Since then, the home recording technology has taken a great leap forward but the manned deep space exploration has stopped. Who'd have guessed it would have worked out that way?

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Satweavers, Los Angeles, California — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:02:18 GMT

I grew up watching the space program. My father took me outside one night and pointed to a glimmering light that crossed the sky from horizon to horizon. He told me it was called Sputnik, that I would always remember this experience. I watched every manned space launch from Alan Shepard through the end of Apollo. On July 20, 1969, our family was gathered in our Dallas, Texas living room watching the landing and every moment of the telecast from The Moon on a black and white set. It was a wonderful time to be alive. With Jacques Cousteau and National Geographic on prime time network TV revealing natural wonders of our planet and the oceans depths and Astronauts riding rockets into space, it was easy to believe that humanity not only possessed the intelligence to solve any problem for the betterment of mankind, but that a fire of goodness burned in every heart that would light the way. I will remain in awe of the accomplishments of those times in a way that younger people will never be able to grasp.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

chief roberts — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:03:27 GMT

my brother was the science editor for the bergen county record in new jersey and he asked neil armstrong was he going to walk on the moon civilian or military when he steps on the moon right or left foot first? Always wondered did this spark neil to say what he did?

Where were you when Apollo flew?

SharpTusk, Little Rock, Arkansas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:07:07 GMT

One of the earliest memories I have was 40 years ago on July 16, 1969. Whatever I did for my birthday celebration, I can't remember. While everything is a wonder when you're small, for any generation, beginning the final journey to land on the Moon was a Journey for Civilization.

Sitting on a hard linoleum floor in front of television encased in a wooden cabinet, I waited through the excruciating countdown. I sat so close to the television because I wasn't missing this. No one had room to walk in front of me without being tripped, and if the television station lost signal or the network began showing the Indian Head sillouette because they were experiencing "technical difficulties," I was ready to reach up and clunk the dial over to a different station.

I remember thinking that those astronauts were [i]in[/i] that rocket as if they were on some big, grand spaceship destined for the moon. Most certainly I would have more appreciated just how BIG the rocket was had I realized that the astronauts were in only a relatively small portion of the small white rocket on top of the enourmous white and black Saturn V rocket. The wonderous bright flashing yellow, orange and red fire at ignition turned to being engulfed in a white cloud as the astronaut's sky-high lift tower fell away from the rocket.

"They don't have a way to get back down now," I thought. I don't think it was just scary for me.

Four days later, to see Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin step foot on the moon, to see them plant the flag of the United States of America and to see them bounce as if the moon were there own personal trampoline thrilled and delighted me beyond compare.

We haven't shown the following outside my family since 1976.

They are scans of square, worn, and slightly yellowed original prints in front of me. In 1969 we lived in San Antonio while my father was continuing to pursue some version of his first love -- photography. He managed a commercial photo processing plant in San Antonio, and I believe he acquired these photos when NASA in Houston made negatives available for printing and wider distribution. If you look closely at an enlargement of the white border you'll see printed dates of Aug '69, Sept '69, Dec '69. I hope you enjoy as you remember one of Our Greatest Accomplishments.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg164/SharpTusk/Moon3.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg164/SharpTusk/Moon1.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg164/SharpTusk/Moon2.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg164/SharpTusk/Moon5.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg164/SharpTusk/Moon6.jpg

A New Day Dawned!

[img=http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg164/SharpTusk/Moon7.jpg]

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Sergiy, Saarbrucken, Saarland — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:17:49 GMT

My mother was 2 years old, and my father was 7 years old that time, so I had no possible way to be in front of TV :). So I've seen only replays of the video w-a-a-a-y later - in 19xx (don't remember exactly when was that).

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Tony Kessler, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:25:16 GMT

I was sitting in a barracks at the Naval Training Center San Diego and I was starting my fifth week of a twelve week long boot camp. My feet hurt, I was dead tired. The radio we had been given had a blown speaker that was nearly painful to listen to. I was between the threat of Vietnam and the wonder of space travel. I sat there in complete awe of a world that had such contrasting realities. I still am.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Glenn Reeves, Burlington, Kansas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:29:48 GMT

On July 20, 1969, I was living in Wichita, Kansas. I had turned 15 years old on the day before. On that hot summer day, at a local swimming pool, I can remember standing atop the high dive and looking up at the moon and thinking, "Wow. It's amazing to think that, right this minute, there are people up there."

At home, in the same living room and on the same TV set on which I had watched reports of President John F. Kennedy's assasination, I watched Neil Armstrong take his first step onto the moon's surface. Neil Armstrong's "One small step for man. One giant leap for mankind." was perfect. I wondered how much thought he had put into those now-famous words. It is my recollection that, shortly after the first steps were taken, the camera was accidently pointed directly into the sun. That ended the live video feed. Oh well, at least we got to see the first steps.

That night, using the crystal AM radio receiver I had made in shop class, I remember listening to NASA Mission Control conversing with the astronauts. Although my simple radio was actually listening to an AM radio station that was only about a mile away, it felt, to me, like I was directly tuned-in to the moon.

Finally, after the astronauts returned, I can remember watching an interview with Michael Collins. He said, "Everyone will remember that the first moon mission included Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldron, and 'that other guy'." Michael Collins, I remember you, too!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Eugene Markow, Siemiechow, Poland — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:34:06 GMT

I was 5 years old and living in Manhattan, New York City, in a second floor flat on East 3rd Street. Our entire family watched the Apollo landing sequence together.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mike James — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:03:12 GMT

I was a little kid age 7 and facinated with the whole thing! I remember sneaking to a room and turning a TV on. It was about 10.30 I think. Everyone else in the house was asleep, parents and siblings. It was amazing! I remember it like it was yesterday!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Daniel Baca — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:04:57 GMT

I was two years, three months and four days old when humans landed on another world, living in a home in Escondido, California with my parents. It's funny, but my earliest memories are of my dad coming home from work and televised coverage of a moon launch, though it could not have been Apollo 11.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

D Ross Bangkok Thailand — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:20:43 GMT

On the top of the Landmark Hotel in Las Vegas after a skiing trip to Lake Mead...

Where were you when Apollo flew?

david morgan — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:26:44 GMT

I was stationed on the USS Hornet the ship that picked them up as well as Apollo 12

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jason Combs Tokyo, Japan — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:49:51 GMT

I wasn't even thought of yet nor were my parents even married, but I have read a lot about it. Hopefully in the next 20 years we can stand on Mars. I think the technology that will be developed to make that possible will really help with handling the problems we are having with environmental issues here on Earth.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Connie Hansen, Kampala, Uganda — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:52:47 GMT

I was a newly minted Peace Corps Volunteer in Illela, Niger in West Africa. We were able to get scratchy radio transmission from Voice of America on shortwave (as long as I held the antennae...) In this bizarre contrast, technology beyond belief birthed into the Biblical like setting of camels and women at the well, my 21 year old mind tried to grasp the contrast. In our halting new Hausa language, my co volunteer MaryJane and I attempted to explain to our Nigerienne villagers what was happening. Their solid conclusion: Men must be on the white man's moon...not on THEIRS. I always thought that was an easier concept to understand than the reality.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Burt Johnson. Yeosu, Korea — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:53:29 GMT

I was watching in my Swedish greatgrandmother's hospital room, she was about 90, the original immigrant.

She simply said, "No, it isn't happening."

She passed away believing we never went to the moon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bruce Schild, Holland, MI — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:11:39 GMT

I was even more interested in the space program than I was in cars, sports, or teenage girls. And that's saying something, as at the time I was a 15 year old boy with raging hormones.

I grew up watching the Mercury program launches on televisions that teachers would bring into school from their homes. At launch time, the kids from several classes would pile into one classroom to watch, it was quite an event. At age 12 I scraped together every nickel and dime I had to get a telescope from the Sears & Roebuck catalog. My Dad must have pitched in the sales tax and shipping, because I knew nothing of such things at the time and could barely cover the stated catalog price.

When I realized that my family's camping trip would coincide with the moon mission, I wanted to stay home. That wouldn't be permitted, but that 1969 July saw the very first time that our B&W television was packed into the travel trailer and brought along on vacation. We spent several evenings huddled around the TV rather than around a campfire. The set was outside on the picnic table and generated a lot of traffic at our campsite. Several people would come over with their lawn chairs to watch and many more would stop for a quick glimpse now and then.

In this age of wide screens and high def it seems amazing that those fuzzy black and white images on a 19 inch box were pushing the envelope of hi-tech. I sure am glad I was there and was able to witness it. I wouldn't have missed it for the world...or the moon for that matter.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Marty Schneiderman, Princeton, NJ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:39:16 GMT

I was 20 year sold and in Army ROTC basic training at Indiantown Gap Military reservation in Anneville PA at the time. Our whole company of 200 cadets crowded into the day room as we all huddled together one on top of another watching a small B&W TV of the moon landing. The setting was unforgettable and could have made a wonderful Norman Rockwell painting. I was especially proud because my uncle has been an engineer at Cape Canaveral working on the design of Armstrong's space suit life support system. I was a very proud of the incredible accomplishment given the limited technology that was available at the time.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Robert Adamson, Draper, Utah 84020 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:51:57 GMT

I remember the moon landing as if it was yesterday. I was a student at the University working as a temp Engineer at the Mercury Nevada atomic test site. That day, while driving in the desert looking for broken power lines, I stumbled upon a massive hole in the ground. I remember thinking that it looked like a giant insect from space had dug a perfect cone.

It was an old experiment designed to see how big of a crater could be formed in the earth with an atomic bomb. The radioactive dust spread across the southern states must have been devastating.

So as a young man on that hot summer day and evening, deep in the Nevada desert, I witnessed the extreme worst and the courageous best of the human race.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave Perala — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:15:52 GMT

July 1969, I had just turned nine 3 weeks earlier and I can remember sitting in the living room of my Granma'a house. I went to bed early that night and Granma woke me up so I could watch it live.
I still remember sitting on the floor about 3 feet from the TV with a model of a Saturn 5 rocket that I had finished that day. Dad was in Vietnam so I had to do it alone, didnt really look right but hey, I was nine and it was perfect at the time.
I remember Granma saying at the time, " Now I have seen everything." She was 75 at the time.
For some reason it didnt seem real to me till the next night when Walter Cronkite said it on the news. As anyone that was aware of the world back then knew, if uncle Walter didnt say,"And thats the way it is.", it wasnt.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Rob Michael, Portland, Me — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:18:06 GMT

I was 16 and had a summer job at a grocery store. I was fascinated with the space program since the Russians launched Sputnik and had followed it closely ever since. I had to work on July 20th but I managed to get my schedule changed so I could leave an hour before the LEM separated from the command module to make that landing. I rushed home and just shut the rest of the world out while I watched the entire spectacle. I recently visited the National Air and Space Museum in Washington and stood, staring at the Apollo 11 command module for what seemed hours as the memories flooded back.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

V.Perrotti, Flemington, NJ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:19:14 GMT

I was 15 and at the Jersey shore, Lavalette, with my friend Lynn and her family. Flags were flying, people were celebrating, and it was great!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Justin Elzie, NYC — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:27:39 GMT

I remember it well, I was 7 years old, Wyoming farm boy and I remember waking up really early and eating breakfast and running into the living room and watching it sitting on the floor on our black and white TV. It changed my world forever. I wanted to be an astronaut. I still remember getting a model Apollo set and putting the model together.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jim — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:30:57 GMT

At the time, I was a junior at Cameron University in Lawton Okla and preparing to become a US Marine aviator to hopefully wreak havoc on the Viet Cong for having recently killed some of my friends. I had hardly any money to my name and times were tough, but I had, and continue to have, tremendous faith in America. God Bless the USA and the can-do spirit of its people.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dennis, Alton IL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:31:08 GMT

It was 3 days before my 11th birthday we were outside playing tag or somthing. Mom made us come in becasue history was about to be made. I watched it on tv then went back outside.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

danny bloom, Juneau, Alaska — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:39:25 GMT

I was a college student from Tufts on my junior year aboard, and that month I was in Jerusalem, living in a youth hostel near the Haddash Hospital, a hostel run by Catholic nuns, and I remember being outside that night looking up at the stars and the moon from Ein Kren valley there and thinking OMIGOD, we really landed on the moon! It was an amazing night! I will never forget it. But I feel we are now doomed as a species because of global warming and polar cities is the only answer. Google it Alan. sigh.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

E.J. Butner III — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:45:28 GMT

oh yeah I remember, it was just after my 13th birthday in a cabin on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If you could imagine the UP before cable, you had the choice of two TV stations, one from Marquette, which came in poorly, and one from Green Bay which was worse. As my multitudes of uncles and cousins fiddled with the rabbit ear antennea, complete with aluminum foil twisted around them, I DID see something that looked like a man decending a ladder, but if it wasn't for the audio, I would have had no clue to what was happining. Still, it was exciting.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dan Genovese, Westfield, MA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:47:06 GMT

I was 8 years old and my father had brought me to my first Red Sox game at Fenway Park (which many of you know is a life remembering experiance in itself) when Sherm Feller, the public address announcer, announced we had just landed on the moon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Holly Dunlea — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:47:48 GMT

Lake Winnipesaukee shimmered under the summer moon, and the archery field grasses shivered under my feet as I walked to the common room in the basement of our camp’s lodge. Pine-knotted walls absorbed our confused whispers as we girls turned the concrete floor into our own moonscape of down pillows and polyester sleeping bags. A television sat at the focal end of the room. A television? At camp? The camp director’s surprise for us that night was a black and white, never-to-be-forgotten, back woods and fuzzy viewing of NASA’s moonwalk. My 14 year old mind was on idle; I was perplexed, not understanding the complete ramifications behind this momentous event—a television at camp. With popcorn distributed and giggles and stories completed, 120 sun-tired and silent campers sprawled in front of a 19” TV watching Armstrong’s giant leap for mankind. As we shuffled back to our cabins, I looked up at the evening sky and pretended to be omniscient. I inspected the moon. I knew I couldn’t see the astronauts, but I looked for them anyway, feeling very small with the realization that they, too, could not see me.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

H. L Tractman Philadelphia Penna — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:49:21 GMT

I was married on that day. Some of my husbands friends sent us a congratulatory telegram and signed the names of the Apollo crew. People at the wedding were excited and looking to see it on TV. It made our special day very interesting. My husband passed away on July 14 2007.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Randy Plotkin,Newport News, VA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:53:54 GMT

I was at my grandparents house, spending the summer with them. I was 6 years old and sat in front of their TV to watch it. I was very much into science at an early age and just thought it was the greatest thing. Whenever there was a space launch, whether I was in school, which was always great because we had to watch it for current events/social studies/science, or if i was at home, I was glued to the TV. Mesmerized by the launch. I would follow what was happening until they day they returned. At age 13, my uncle had a Revell Saturn rocket model ("Over 3 feet tall!") that he let me put together. I carefully worked on that model for one whole summer and completed it. I was amazed and in awe of it. Then, 25 years later, while visiting the Kennedy Space Center/Cape Canaveral in florida with my daughters, we visited the launch pads adn the control room from where the Saturn rocket launches where monitored. The realism of "listening" to a launch of a Saturn V rocket, the windows rattling, watching teh monioring stations lightup adn change colors and just the sheer power of it all, overwhelmed me wth pride, joy, and tears. I have always been a space buff and a huge fan of the Saturn rocket. To actually experience it in that way, just brought it all together from the first launch I saw to the last recovery in the ocean. The power it takes to move a rocket and go into space is an amzing thing. Notihng compares to watching a Saturn V rocket launch.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Tom Shorter — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:55:52 GMT

I was setting in or day room (rec room),at Larson Barrack in Kitzingen, Germany. I remember watching the event on a very fuzzy black and white TV, we had to turn down the TV volume and turn up the Armed Forces Radio volume to hear what was going on in English. I was 20 years old at the time and just four months from being discharged from the US Army.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

J. Ona, Portland Oregon — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:03:14 GMT

I was 4 years old then (back in the Philippines) but I still remember those time I was glued watching TV. My parents bought me this Life Magazine which I kept till I'm in highschool.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Robin, Miami FL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:05:35 GMT

July 20th 1969--I was eighteen and visiting a friend whose birthday happens to be July 20th. Her family was staying at a hotel on Miami Beach, so even though it was a great beach day, we were inside watching the anticipated moon landing and listening to Walter Cronkite and Wally Schirra describe what was going on. I can still remember everyone (including Cronkite and Schirra) holding their collective breath as the Eagle approached the Sea of Tranquility. After the successful landing, it seemed as though everyone exhaled at the same time! It was one of those times when the whole world was united in terms of good will; unfortunately, those occasions are very infrequent!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Andy, Cass City, MI — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:13:47 GMT

Well, I can't say that I was around for all this excitement, because in 1969 I was still 15 years from conception. But what I do recall is learning about the moonwalk, over and over again in school. Even as 8 year-old kids we knew the famous words: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." And of course that they came from Neil Armstrong and that Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin was the other guy on the moon. What's really amazing to me, though, is watching all of this stuff that used to just be sci-fi, coming into reality. I've watched Star Trek ever since I can remember. Everybody knows the starship Enterprise, with it's warp drive, and transporters that could beam you anywhere. Now, as we gradually become more advance, we are watching all of this stuff become a reality in real-time. The space shuttle program, the International Space Station. Now we even have commercial companies operating in space. And with the decommisioning of the space shuttle program, though I hate to see them go, we are going to see a lot more commercial activity in space. It's all happening right now, and it's a very exciting time for everyone!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave Sheppard, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:15:02 GMT

CANADIANS watched with awe as well; we, too were impressed with America's acomplishment. I was visiting grandparents in Newfoundland as a teenager and I needed any excuse to escape from the rabbit stew on my plate at dinner. My Newfoundland cousins were amongst the few with television. As Neil Armstrong climbed down that ladder, everyone knew history was far more important than eating. I will never forget the impact of his words and what it meant and means for America. Canada has been proud to be part of America's adventures in space, especially wth the Canada Arm used in more recent missions and with our own astronauts. Keep it up, NASA!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mike Schalk, Fremont, OH — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:18:28 GMT

Based on my calculations and the fact that the moon landing happened on my parents' first wedding anniversary, I believe I was busy being conceived. One giant step for me, if not exactly a giant leap for mankind.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ted Paul, Kenmore NY — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:18:41 GMT

My Dad and I set up an old Sears 13" black and white tv on the patio in the back yard. He took his trusty Kodak 8mm movie camera and set it up to film the event. He was sure something would go wrong and he wanted to be able to prove it later.

SO we watched as the first pictures came in from Apollo - they were upside down for a few seconds... they were corrected by NASA and we got the thing filmed. That movie is now long lost, but listening to Armstrongs speech and watching it in the backyard was very exciting.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Kyle Smith, Duck Creek Village, Utah — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:19:25 GMT

I was 20 years old and a student at the University of Colorado. My daughter, the joy of my life, had just been born on July 3rd and those three weeks were quite an exciting time in my life. After graduation, I was lucky enough to get a job at Martin Marrieta and got to work on Apollo 17, Skylab, and Viking. Man landing on the moon and seeing it on television was better than USA beating the Russians in hockey in 1980.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Tony Meyers — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:25:10 GMT

I was also an Iowa farm boy at the time - growing up on a farm near Luxemburg Iowa - all of 4 years old at the time. I remember watching some of the apollo moonshots on our old black and white TV that only received 2 channels. I can't actually recall which of the moonshots I actually saw - I do remember that one of them made me mad at the time because it pre-empted my Saturday morning cartoon watching. Apparently history making events are a bit lost on 4-year olds...

[ALAN ADDS: You weren't far away from my neck of the woods, Tony. I was watching in a farmhouse near Bernard, probably about 40 miles southeast.]

Where were you when Apollo flew?

David P. Crews — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:25:27 GMT

Not that I needed encouragement to do so, but my parents always made sure I and my sisters got to see all the space shots on television. Mom would say, “Watch – this is history, and you are getting to see it happen.” In the early ‘60’s, Dad bought me a cardboard Mercury capsule big enough to get inside. It had spinning dials and a bell. I still have it, folded lovingly away in the garage.

In July of 1969, I was 14. We had traveled from my west Texas town of Odessa to the nearest mountains in Ruidoso, New Mexico for a summer get away, but we realized the landing was to occur while we were there. Even though we had a small cabin for the vacation, it didn’t have a TV. Dad drove us to a motel in town and we rented a room there just so we could watch the little black and white television set. We were not going to miss the moon landing!

I still remember that room and the shared emotional reactions we all had with Walter Cronkite when Armstrong set his foot down. I remember, too, how I flipped myself upside down on the bed when those first high contrast images came inverted from the NASA video feed. I think we were in almost as much awe of being able to watch the moon walk happen live as we were of the event itself.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jim Gibbs , Knoxville, TN — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:26:15 GMT

I was 12 years old visiting London England. I remember getting up that morning and going down to the hotel lobby to get my father a newspaper. The bell captain asked me if I was a yank and showed me the front page with the American flag flying on the moon.He told me I should be proud and gave me the paper for free. I still have the front page.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Art Cline Akron Colorado 80720 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:31:18 GMT

I was on the recovery team (Navy) out of Hawaii to pick up the return crew. Presidents Helicopter was also at recovery site. 2 separate planes later flew the moon rocks, in case one crashed.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Rick Kerns, Tampa, FL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:37:51 GMT

It was another very sunny day and I had a very beat up transistor radio tuned in as I was left alone along side Highway 1 in that sunny Southeast Asia countryside of Viet Nam. Those transistor radios of the day were relatively large and this one had a beige case that helped keep the damage down and the case showed how much damage it had absorbed. The other Marines were moving up the road to our next "job" and I was left to take care of my piece of equipment 'till last. A few hundred yards south was a small village but not any villagers coming my way for the moment. But there was plenty of foliage on the side of the road and difficult to see far or completely. The dirt road made a couple of sharp turns where I was with a small stream and a wood over steel beam bridge. But that left me with no view of what was going on down the road in either direction. I was on the west side of the road where the grass was beat down from foot traffic of locals obviously getting to the stream's water. I knew it was the west side of the road because at night we could see the flashes in the distance in the other direction of what we guessed was either the USS Iowa or Missouri or one of the other 'big' guns of the US Navy.
I was listening closely to the radio while a little worried about my lonely situation and how long it was taking the others to return. One M16 and a couple of magazines couldn't hold off, if needed, for long. Being it was day time, my concern of the threat was probably more than what was reality. Seemed like those guys were taking hours to get back. Could they really just forget about me? But there I was, in the very quiet countryside along side a cool stream, alone listening to history and an amazing moment.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

John Appleton, Springfield, Missouri — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:38:02 GMT

I was 24 years old and I was walking through Central Park, NYC. A large screen was set up to show the landing. I stayed, watched, and came away with a strong, emotional memory.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Charles Cushing, Fredericksburg VA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:38:05 GMT

My family was visiting my mothers mother the day they landed on the moon. I was nine years old and I asked my grandmother if she remembered the first airplane she ever saw. She said something like, "Yes, it was at the Little Rock (AK) state fair. People thought it was a hoax, just part of the tricks at the fair." She explained that people did not begin to believe the airplane was real until barnstormers came a year later and gave local people rides. I realized that day that she had seen the entire age of flight, from a Curtis type at the fair to the landing on the moon. She lived to be 105 years, and saw several of the Space Shuttle missions on TV as well. My kids dont even know when the Shuttle flies.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave Smithers, Sault Ste. Marie MI — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:38:38 GMT

On July 20, 1969 I was 16 year old Canadian teenager working as a deck hand on an old 42' Great Lakes work boat that had been refurbished and outfitted to use for charters. My Dad's friend that owned the boat had taken on two couples for a week long charter in the Canadian waters around Manitoulin Island. When they were loading the boat I was amazed at the cases of beer being brought on board! One night during the charter I was awakened to come up on deck to see the moon landing. All in all, for a young impressionable teen, it was a time I'll never forget!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Steve Reichert, Huntsville, Alabama — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:40:43 GMT

My family moved to Merritt Island, Florida in 1965. My Father worked at the Cape...we lived only a few miles from the launch pads, you could see them from our front yard.

There were so many launches of all different kinds during those days, they would shake the house at all hours of the day...so often we stopped going outside to watch, unless they were night launches or Saturn 5s. I was at all of the Saturn 5 launches...it was an awsome time and place to be a kid!

I was 11 years old in July '69 and was glued to the television like the rest of the world during the whole mission. Many of my friends parents worked at the Space Center, we were very proud to be a part of the space program, part of history.

These days I work at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. I work at the Shuttle Launch Support facility during launches, and in the test areas being used to develope the next NASA launch vehicle.

I love working for NASA and being involved in our manned space flight program. I hope our nation continues to lead the world back to the moon and beyond!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

C.D. Tarum (Saginaw, MI) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:42:10 GMT

I grew up in rural Montana. I was 10 and we went to a relative's house to watch the first steps because our B/W TV was broke. When they came back to earth we watched in on a new Color TV set.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Allan Simpson DuBois, PA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:49:38 GMT

I was in the US Navy in basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois. I started basic training on July 7 and even after only 2 weeks we were allowed to watch the landing because one of the astronauts was in the Navy.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Pete, Cincinnati, Ohio — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:49:59 GMT

I was 7 years old and living on Hickam Airforce Base with my family. I sat in our living room and watched it by myself. After Apollo returned, I rode my bike behind the silver camper trailer they were quarantined in and they waved out the window at me as they rode through the base.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dwayne, Des Moines, IA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:50:05 GMT

I was still in my mother's womb. My first cousin Patricia was born on that day though.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Donna Cole — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:53:21 GMT

On that historic day I was at Angels Stadium watching a double-header between the Angels and the Oakland "A"s. I was 3 mos. preggers with my first. As the landing approached, the game stopped and the stadium became eerily quiet as we waited and watched on the "jumbo-tron". As the lunar module landed--the crowd broke out into a collective, ground-shaking roar. I held my blossoming belly and knew at that moment that a different world was coming...or so I thought. Needless to say it is a day I will never forget!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

David J Dunn, Monument, Colorado — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:55:55 GMT

I was in Johannesburg, South Africa, a young Air Force Lieutenant and Mission Coordinator for the Apollo space program. We were returning from flying over the Indian Ocean supporting the Apollo launch in a special Air Force aircraft, the ARIA, equipped to provide communications between Apollo 11 and the Houston control center just after the Apollo 11 launch. In Johannesburg we had no coverage of the landing at all and only read about it in the newspaper the next day. We had to wait a week to watch the landing in reruns.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Barry Johnson — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:02:26 GMT

I was sitting in a bunker in the munitions storage area in Danang AFB. We listened to the landing on the radio. A few months later, I was in Thailand. I saw billboard pictures of the Apollo 11 on every street corner in Bangkok. Thai children were wearing Apollo 11 t-shirts. It was then I realized what an impact the moon landing had made on the world.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ernest Brown — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:02:34 GMT

I quit my full time job as a house painter the next morning after the landing! I said to myself "if man can walk on the moon... then I can become a full time picture painter... an artist" And that is what I've done. My web site shows my art, my life is that audacious reach!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Butch Whitmon, Bourbonnais, Illinois — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:07:03 GMT

I was a 27 yo,fanatical follower of the space program, sitting in the living room of my parents home in Limestone, Illinois, enthralled when the Eagle landed. But my most cherished, thrilling Apollo memory is being on the causeway south of the VAB, 3.5 miles from the launch pad as Apollo 17 lifted off, rocking our world with sights and sounds never experienced by most of humanity. I witnessed an event unmatched in my 67 years on this planet. A fortuitious chain of events allowed me this close up view of the launch. My motel in Cocoa Beach was more than 15 miles from the pad....where I would have been for the launch. Next to my room was a family from Wilmette, IL; they had flown in and rented a car, also planning to watch from the motel. The father, an allergist, sat next to a priest on the flight to Florida. This priest was Apollo 17 Commander Cernan's friend, Monsignor Vernon J Cloos (best memory of name?, sorry). Father Cloos had a cardboard "NASA Pass" allowing a vehicle access to the cape, that he gave the father of the family next door to me. This wonderful family, seeing I was also from Illinois, invited me to join them in the car. BINGO!!! With them I experienced the silent, boiling, fiery ignition of that beautiful Saturn 5; approx 17 seconds later the roar assaulted us, we felt the earth shake and our internal organs pulse with the sonic waves washing over us!! Glorious!!!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave Smith — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:08:31 GMT

I was 6 years old and living in Florida, my family and I were standing in Banana Creek nearf the Vehicle Assembly Building at Canaveral space center along with hundreds of other people and news cameras, It was so amazing to watch yet the shear power of the ship was terrifying. The ground shook with tremendous force. It was a beautiful site that i will never forget.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Scott Goodman, North Carolina — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:16:53 GMT

I was 20 years old and had been married only a little over a month. My new wife and I had been given a little color TV, complete with rabbit ear antennae, as a wedding gift. We sat on our donated sofa in her grandmother's garage apartment and watched ABC, which was the only station we could pick up, as Armstrong decended the ladder and stepped on the surface of the Moon. We heard his audibly broken words, "That's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind." My wife's stepfather worked at the LA Times and sent us a file copy of the front page for July 20, 1969. The file copy was embossed on a card about the size of an index card. Somewhere in our memorabelia that card still exists, and in our memories the excitement of the human accomplishment exists as well.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave Diehl — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:17:10 GMT

The funny thing is that I remember the landing but not the moon walk. I was 13, sitting in the backseat of our Ford Country Squire station wagon somewhere in North Carolina on the way home to Ohio from the family vacation, listening to it on the radio, and praying that we didn't loose the station.

I'd been following all of the space missions since watching Alan Shepard's Redstone blast off and probably thought...if they can land, they the walk will be the easy part.

Funny thing is, 30 years later, I can remember driving by Neil Armstrong's farm outside of Lebanon Ohio and waving hello while he was walking out to his mailbox in his loud golf pants and thinking "the most famous man of my generation wears golf pants." :)

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Sandy, Cocoa, Florida — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:22:06 GMT

I had just turned 4 years old, I remember watching the launch. I was at home with my mother watching on TV. My father worked at Kennedy Space Center and was at work at the time. He still talks about what it was like at work that wonderful day in July. I am sure when I see hime this weekend, we will hear the stories all over, though as I have gotten older I really enjoy them.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

GC — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:22:27 GMT

I was a television engineer working Master control in upstate New York when the landing took place. stillf have photographs taken off the monitor of the even. Much later worked in mission control Houston during the shuttle years. certainly had an impact on my life.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Tom Warner, Bellingham, WA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:23:19 GMT

I was 17, in love with my high school girlfriend and had just talked my Dad into letting me borrow his car to take her to out. He specifically told me not to go into Canada, so obviously I did. Wrecked his car in the middle of Vancouver BC, had to call him to come up and get us. Boy was that stressful! There was so much going on with the moonshot, I think he was too preoccupied to really stay too upset.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jane, Green Lane, PA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:24:38 GMT

I was 11 and visiting my Aunt & Uncle in Brockton, Mass. My sister & I happened to be staying in the room that had the only TV in the house. My Uncle had worked for Nasa and was so very excited about the mission. The whole family was crammed into that room to watch the landing, I was desperate to go to sleep but couldn't because of all the company in the room. Now I'm glad it happened that way, Thanks Uncle Phil! R.I.P.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jerry Reusch, Sloansville, NY — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:27:38 GMT

I spent the first five years of my life living in Cocoa Beach, Florida, while my father worked on the construction crews at Cape Canaveral. Watching the early Atlas rockets go up shaped my fantasies. Kennedy's call to go to the moon fueled them. One summer I fitted a bedroom closet out as a space capsule lined with tin foil and spent three days inside, sleeping in the "pilot's chair" and only taking "space walks" to use the bathroom. I had plenty of Tang. When I found out I was legally blind in my left eye and so banned from space, my career dreams were crushed, but not my desire.
So you can bet that on that summer night I was up way past my bedtime at almost 11pm (yeah, even at 14 at that time, country boys were in bed early). I was restless. They'd been landed for HOURS! Finally. A giant leap for mankind.
The shuttle program sidetracked us, they are just high flying planes. Today one of my sons ascribes to the theory that the moon landings were all a fake. None of them (there are three) shares my dream of kicking up dust in low gee. This makes me very sad... a moment squandered, momentum lost.
We need to strap more people onto bombs built by the lowest bidder (thanks John Glenn)and get back to exploration, to dreaming, to reclaiming the romance of the great unknown. If you need a volunteer, I'm your man.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Don C., Boise, ID. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:34:00 GMT

I was at the UCLA summer camp for diabetic youths in (or near) Redlands, California. We had just returned from a horseback ride in a drizzling rain and were walking into the mess hall when one of the camp counselors (all of whom were UCLA students) burst out of the door exclaiming "They landed! They landed!"

We watched the grainy images of Neil Armstrong and crew on a black and white tv along with millions the world over. After finishing the evening meal, we walked back to our camp area. The clouds had lifted somewhat, and the moon was in full view. I lifted my hand to cover it, feeling somehow that I was containing the greatness of the moment.

My father had perished in a terrible plane crash in LA only two months prior. As I lay in my sleeping bag I was torn between the excitement over the day and wishing that Dad, who had infected me with his interest in all things space related, had survived to witness this incredible moment in history.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Eric, Salinas, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:35:04 GMT

On July 20th I was living at Fort Dix, New Jersey, as a 17 year old teenager. A month later we moved to Long Beach, California as my Dad went to Korea. I still remember watching the whole mission that was televised at home in my bedroom on my small black and white television set. Best of all was getting to listen to Walter Cronkite give the play by play, he was so inspiring to listen to. I remember how poor the picture quality was but it was still so riveting to see the first man walk on the moon.

Back then travel to the moon was really dicey even though compared to today the right stuff they had was ancient and obsolete. Now we can enjoy watching the astronauts work in space on the ISS on slick new color LCD or Plasma tv's, even LED. Today's picture quality is awesome compared to back then but now people working in space seems almost routine by comparison.

I applaud us going back to the moon and hopefully on to Mars someday soon. The one thing I don't like is that we're doing it alone, some fool thought we needed to have another space race and what we really need to do is get some partners to share the cost and the glory. We should scrap going it alone and partner up with the same countries we're working with on the ISS. Heck we ought to get China involved rather than race them to the moon. There's no way we should be going to Mars alone, it's time to turn this idiotic new space race into a space cooperation junket to Mars.

Safe Launch and Journey Endeavor!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bodach — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:36:39 GMT

I was working at the space division of McDonnell Douglas and along with several hundred other engineers and techs, was following the mission, minute to minute. We worked a 12 hour schedule during the flight and where on call 24/7.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Charles, Greensboro, NC — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:47:05 GMT

I was 7 years old at the time growing up in a small town east of Orlando. My dad took us out to Titusville and we found a spot along the Indian River to watch the launch. A beautiful sight. The next day we left for Brazil for a long vacation and I remember watching the landing on the moon on my Grandmother's old black and white tv in her apartment in Recife on the northeast coast of Brazil.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

D. Weber, Chicago, IL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:47:20 GMT

I watched it with my dad on a b&w TV in our living room. I was 13 and he was 55. I was caught up in the moment and properly awestruck, but my dad managed to put even more perspective on it.

He told me that when he was a kid he used to ride his bike over to Checker Field to watch the mail pilots landing their planes. They'd flown all the way from St. Louis to Chicago--a big deal in those days. Only half a lifetime from that to the moon missions, it was astonishing. One of those early pilots was Charles Lindbergh, and when my dad was 13, Lucky Lindy made the giant leap to solo trans-Atlantic flight.

Now I am nearly the age my dad was when man first walked on the moon. If you had asked me back then where we would be in 2009, I would have said Mars--or maybe beyond. Instead we are struggling to save our own little blue marble.

As my dad would also have said, "Pick up your mess before you go out to play."

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Sal Mattimiro — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:49:17 GMT

I had just turned 17 in June. I was invited to a wedding at the New York Plaza Hotel by my mother's boss. I remember watching the landing at home on our only color TV, a 12" Sony, as we dressed for the party. As the time neared for the Astronauts to exit the LEM, a rumor spread through the Plaza that the three networks, CBS, NBC and ABC had set up screens in Central Park. I left the affair and walked into the park, along with a huge crowd rushing to share the event and within minutes I found myself in the middle of a field. The networks has set up three large screens in a triangle and were projecting the live NASA video stream onto them. I sat in the middle and I could see each screen, left, right and behind me, hoping to figure out which would have the best shot. As Neil Armstrong came down that ladder, at first it was hard to tell what we were looking at but once NASA inverted the video to its correct orientation, everything was crystal clear. I shared this beautiful human experience with thousands of others on a lawn in the middle of Central Park on the biggest screens I had ever seen in my life. Memorable does not come close to describing this fantastic adventure.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bill Perry - Peterborough NH — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:51:29 GMT

I was in NYC celebrating my 40th birthday (July 20). More interesting for me was that in 1974 in Detroit I met and began a years-long national tour with Buzz Aldrin. He had just been named Chairperson of the National Mental Health Association. I was Public Affairs Director for the Association. In prep for travels with Buzz I spent several lunches with Mike Collins. I recently talked with Buzz about his new book, and we have remained warm friends over the years. That event and that birthday will always be a great memory for me for many reasons.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bryan Heasty — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:56:37 GMT

I was 19 years old in Viet Nam when Neil Armstrong made his famous moon walk. A few of us were huddled around a small transistor radio listening to AFVN doing a broadcast of the landing. This must have been a tape of the actual broadcast since we were listening to it during the day. I think the time difference is 13 hours ahead of the USA.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Kathleen Lengyel-Sugajski, Detroit, Michigan — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:59:09 GMT

I was 4 years old. I remember my grandpa sitting me down on the floor in front of the television. He sat on the floor next to me. He explained that I should watch this & try and remember it because it was very important. We watched together & I can remember it clearly like it happened yesterday! Grandpa was a terrific man!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mike, Mayfield Hts,OH — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:00:13 GMT

I was 5 years old but remember to this day my parents and I sititng in front of our TV watching.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Terry Sarasota, Florida — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:03:45 GMT

It was a Sunday afternoon, as I recall, and at age 21 had just become engaged to my 19 year old boyfriend. I was living in NYC and he in Glen Rock, NJ. His family didn't know we bought an engagement ring on July 9 and I wasn't accepted as a family member at that point. His cousin was being ordained as a Catholic priest on the day of the moon landing. My fiance told me that I could not come to the celebration...acceptance for an older Jewish girl into this Irish Catholic family of a 19 year old college boy was lacking...so I had to stay in his family's home in New Jersey during the celebration. I was hurt, but thought okay at least I can watch the moon landing. I settled in to watch the landing and the hoopla and lo and behold, the electricity went out on his block. There I was, newly engaged, excluded from the Catholic festivities, alone with my thoughts and no way to watch the moon landing. I should have taken it as a sign not to get married, but I didn't...I married. We had the same rough and tumble marriage as that crazy familyless, televisonless, moon landing day.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Lisa More, Fort Scott, Kansas — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:05:32 GMT

To our family, the biggest lesson that the Apollo Mission left for us was hope for the future. In November of last year, our family drove to what would be the biggest vacation of our lives..Walt Disney World. During that trip, we decided to go to the Kennedy Space Center to take a look around. From the moment we arrived to the Center, until the time we left, we were truly in awe. It was if time had stood still, was alive, and moving on, all at the same time. A convergence of the past, present, and future emerging as one. Where we live is in the middle of the United States, and we are simple country folks that does not have alot of money to do very many things. This trip was litterally going to be the trip of our lifetime, so when we initially made the agenda, we thought it would be all about the "Magical World of Disney." We were wrong, and it failed dramatically in comparsion to the Kennedy Space Center. The best lesson the children walked away with, who were 12 and 6, was that before we arrived, space exploration was something only seen on tv or read in books. To their little minds it was an untouchable dream, as if the men and women who were the steering force behind the Apollo Programs was unreal as cartoon characters that can not be touched or felt, as if it were an impossible drem. It came to be that nothing was further from the truth. I have always taught my children that it only takes one thought, or one idea from someone to make a difference in the world, and that day, at the Kennedy Space Center, they learned that it was true. It was simple people, like you and I that can make dreams come true. People yearning to make a difference, taking risks, putting the unknown into future generations; literally coming together as proud citizens of our Beloved Country, and making dreams a reality. We didn't want to leave the Center that day, and we stayed until the very last second when we had no choice but to leave, not only vowing to return ourselves, but I honestly heard my children talk about how one day they would be bringing their own children there. Not a single word about Walt Disney World, but only of the Space Center. To the men and women who made the United Space Program what it is today is truly the hero's of not only yesterday, but of today, and of the future. Thank you for giving my children dreams of hope through what sacrifices you all have made. It was the best experience that we could have possibly given our children (and ourselves). Now they know for sure that it is true in that it only takes one idea or one thought to mark the beginning of something was once held untouchable or unknown. Just a little note...while there, we took hundreds of pictures. My children asked me to make them a photo quilt as a memorial tribute that they could always have. The photo quilt was finished, and in addition to their room, there is a large 3-D poster of them that was captured with the most beautiful background. To all parents...if you really want your children to learn what the real power of what hope and love can bring, then please take time to go see Kennedy Space Center. You will never regret it. I only wish we could have afforded to see more, such as Cape Canavaral, but forever in our hearts, we will never forget what we did see, nor will we ever forget what sacrifices were made for us all. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the experience, and giving us hope for the future.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Steven Douglas Lawrence — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:09:21 GMT

Fresno, California, July 20, 1969 - the Zodiac Killer was on the loose, and had me petrified, but it was still a time of intense wonder for this boy of nine.

Walt Disney's The Jungle Book was that summer's blockbuster, and The Bare Necessities was an instant hit. Gulf stations were giving away (in addition to the usual STP bumper stickers and S&H Green Stamps) a Jungle Book coloring book, complete with all the lyrics and music to The Bare Necessities. That coloring book is what I wanted, and what I got that day. But I also got an unexpected treat, because Gulf was also giving away free full color cardboard punch out assembly kits for the Lunar Lander module (LEM). Just punch out all the pieces (carefully), bend, fold, tab A into slot A, etc., and you've got yourself a beautiful 3D model of the LEM.

I was on the living room floor when the Eagle landed, legs crossed, eyes riveted in front of the TV. My left hand rocked the bassinet floor cradle that held my two-week old baby brother, while my right hand held my 3D cardboard Lunar Lander module way up in the air, patiently waiting for the time of descent.

Thank you Gulf -- or, more pointedly, kindly old Gulf station manager who rushed out to give me that LEM kit, almost as an afterthought. With the aid of that prop and this boy's imagination, I was there. I was right there on the moon, eating barbecued potato chips and singing The Bare Necessities with Neil Armstrong.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Steve Salter, Greenwood ,SC — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:10:52 GMT

I will always remeber the date because it happened on my younger brothers birthday. Mine is 4 days later. He recently was killed in an accident and I always think of the landing on his birthday. This one will be a melancholy one due to his absence. I have seen our space program become dormant since this feat with no vision of a future hope. The only thing I can do now is watch Star Trek and imagine what could be.
God said it best. "For without a vision my people perish" The same can be seen in programs such as NASA.
We judge everything by the $$$'s made or lost not by its value to the future of mankind. People kill for it. Countries go to war for it. Until we have a major catastrophe that effects our very existence as a species we may never see we are one world and money, power,greed,hate,and bigotry are all worthless. A Star Trek world is a utopian society and may never be achievable in the real world, but is was a vision of one man and look what he accomplished in the world of cinema. We all need to be inspired to greatness just as JFK did for Apollo. The phrase he stated " Ask not what your counrty can do for you but, what you can do for your country " still revererates in my mind today. For me it could be extrapolated to say "Ask not what mankind can do for your nation, but what can your nation do for the betterment of mankind". We need leaders with vision not just checkbooks. If the vision is there to inspire the resources and commitment to succeed will follow as a person, country, and yes maybe even mankind.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dennis Pagni, Richton Park, IL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:13:52 GMT

22 year old college senior, reeling from the events of 1968, caught up in the tumultuous year of 1969, but still that baby boomer kid who was fortunate to have grown up in the exciting era of the space race----vanguard/explorer/mercury/gemini/apollo----heady times. made sure i took time off from saving the world to be in the student union at southern illinois university when neil armstrong took that small step for mankind. seems like we have not been able to re-capture the feeling of those times in the intervening 40 years.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

James M. Stanfield, Folsom, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:17:13 GMT

I had just simultaneously graduated from high school and turned 17 one month before. Had not decided what to do with my life, literally -- wasn't excited about college, the Viet Nam war was still an ugly reality. Today, I'd probably be described as a slacker.

My Dad had come up with tickets for the Salinas (CA) Rodeo, but I chose to stay home and watch the Apollo coverage.

The following week, I went to the Air Force recruiter, picked up the paperwork, talked my parents into signing the age waiver and less than two months after watching footprints on the moon, I was on a plane to Air Force basic training.

The events of July 20, 1969 literally defined my life. I retired from the Air Force 23.5 years later :)

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Carrell — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:19:07 GMT

I was a junior high student, my father (and the father's of many of my friends)was an engineer for NASA at Kennedy Space Center. We had watched the launch and sat glued to the TV for the broadcasts from the moon. We had seen all the manned launches and felt a keen sense of ownership in the accomplishments but we were still amazed and fascinated at the idea of live TV from the moon!

One thing my students are always amazed by is the fact that Apollo was done with very little computer assistance. The designers and technicians for the most part didn't have computers or even electronic calculators. My father used a slide rule for his calculations as did most of the other engineers.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Tim Knappenberger, Canton, Ohio — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:20:22 GMT

I too was 14 July 20th, 1969 and living the Mid-West life in Ohio. I was the only one awake in our house in the wee hours of that morning, glued to the our black and white TV set waiting for Neil Armstrong to "do it." Mom and Dad were both fast asleep. I kept thinking, "Do they have a clue of what they're sleeping through?!" Mom did get up briefly. Blurry-eyed she asked if it "was over yet?" Over?! Over?! Sheezh Mom! Don't you know it's only begun!?! We're all gonna be driving flying cars within 5 years just like the Jetsons.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

jack smith — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:21:19 GMT

they lifted off on my 16th birthday. we where at the jersey shore (point pleasent) for a 2 week vacation. i was the only one GLUED to the TV; fuzzy black and white bungalo TV set that realy p***ed me off.
God bless all you who served in Vietnam

Where were you when Apollo flew?

LaFaye Sutkin, Redlands, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:21:36 GMT

I watched the landing while lying in bed and looking over a fairly large tummy, because my daughter was born two weeks later.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Cam Lummus — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:23:06 GMT

I remember like it was yesterday. I was 12 years old and my dad came home with a brand new color TV. He rented one just for the Apollo 11 mission. It is kind of ironic since all the images from the moon were in black and white.
The local Gulf oil station had cardboard cutouts of the LEM that you got when you filled up. With the family and the dog huddled around the tv, I flew my LEM in a perfect (I thought) imitation of what was happening in space.
After it was all over the neighbors met outside in our driveway and talked about what had just happened.
I have been a fan of space all my life and that moment was one I will never forget.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bob Mitchell, Bellefontaine. Oh — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:24:10 GMT

I had just been promoted to SGT in the Army and left Fort Benning to go to Fort Polk. The evening of July 20th three of us reported in to the Battalion Headquarters at Fort Polk. The duty NCO was watching it in the office. Quite a thrill, as I am from a town "neighboring" Armstrong"s hometown.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Melissa, Ithaca, NY — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:26:44 GMT

I was 14 years old in a small Texas town about an hour south of Houston. My brother and sisters and I were playing string quartets with a friend of my parents from the Netherlands who played one of the violin parts on the flute. We all stopped playing to watch the landing broadcast. We were all quite overcome and in awe. I specifically remember the Dutch woman crying. She was so excited and proud of America's accomplishment. She kept saying, "only America could do this." We were (and still are) all proud to be Americans.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

JC Turner — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:31:06 GMT

I grew up in the small East Texas town of Atlanta, and while my family was planing a reunion at an uncle's home, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins all watched the moon landing until the wee hours of the morning. I had an FM radio and the old black and white TV had no sound, so yes we watched the TV and listened on the radio. How country can you get? I was eleven. I wish I could relive those days.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mike D, Lehigh Valley, PA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:35:09 GMT

Like many of the previous posts, my exact location is seared into my mind forever. This is what happens when one spends the Spring and Summer of '69 at Benning's School for Boys. It was infantry officer candidate training and we had been given a weekend pass because of the historic event. Recall staying at a motel in beautiful downtown Columbus, GA with several other candidates. Suspect we might have hoisted a few cold ones when Armstrong made his historic leap. Still can't believe it was 40 years ago.
PS: Through good fortune and, the need for signal corps officers, never had to lead a platoon through a rice paddy.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Lou Damiano, Green Bay, WI — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:05:25 GMT

I was eight years old and living in Dearborn, MI. It was a beautiful summer's night, and my father had gathered a number of extension cords so we could put the TV in the back yard and watch the landing outside under the moon. In my mind's eye, I can still see everything vividly. My eyes kept going from the TV screen to the moon above me; I was old enough to know better, but still wanted to believe that if I looked hard enough, I might be able to see history in the making on the screen AND in the sky!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Brian McDaniels, Mesquite NV — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:06:32 GMT

We (wife and three year old daughter)were driving to a long planned picnic in the California Gold Country when the moon landing was occurring, radio reception was not good, and spouse and daughter were arguing just as the Eagle was on final. For the first (and only) time in my life I screamed at both of them to "SHUT UP", I remember all of this as if it happened yesterday. We drove home in time to see the telecast of Armstrong coming out. What a moment, I only wished my dad had lived to see that, he was so interested in the whole program, he passed away the year before.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Frank Y — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:14:27 GMT

I was 4 yrs old my mother spanked me and told me to sit down and watch the tv.She said this is history in the making. She was correct and I remember watching it.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Rita Petersen, Colorado Springs, Colorado — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:24:21 GMT

I was 10 at the time of the Apollo 11 landing, living with my family on a small Ohio hog farm. Daddy woke us up in the middle of a hot, summer night to all gather ‘round the black and white set and watch the amazing, historic event. I thought Neil’s foot would never land as it seemed to float in mid-air forever! I also remember thinking how wonderful to finally watch something hopeful and happy after all the recent televised race riots, Vietnam in our living room every night after dinner, and state funerals of our country’s leaders. Finally something joyous! (And, yes, a 10 year old does have those thoughts . . . even on a small hog farm in Ohio.)

Another part of my Apollo memories has little to do with any mission, save the mission of a farm couple from Wapakoneta, Ohio, and the raising of a future astronaut. Actually, more the pride they held in their hearts AFTER the Apollo mission. My father came home one afternoon from a hog sale in “Wapak” with a small package in his hand. He set all 5 of us kids down to tell of a man he had met that day: Neil Armstrong’s father. They met hanging over a fence at a hog sale that morning and, following my father’s custom of encouraging total strangers to share their life stories, Neil’s father told my Daddy of life as an astronaut’s Dad. (Of course, we got none of those details, so don’t think I’ll be sharing any secrets from the Armstrong farm!) But what a fun small piece of history we glimpsed. Neil’s father gave my father that small envelope containing 5 silver dollars—one for each of us kids—depicting Neil’s first step onto the moon with the U.S. flag flying in the background. Yes, I still have mine today and intend to keep it until I hand it to my own son some day.

This is certainly no scientific, ‘watched the moon through my telescope and dreamed of flying there myself’ memory . . . but it is a small glimpse into the type of family life Neil may have enjoyed as a small boy in Ohio. When I read you were also a farm boy from Iowa, I thought you just may enjoy this story as well.

[ALAN ADDS: You're right about that, Rita. Thanks to everyone for sharing!]

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Justin, Vancouver, BC — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:32:57 GMT

I was 4 months old on my mom lap while my parents watched the landing on a tiny B&W TV. This was back in my hometown in rural Devon, England; they had a few friends from the neighborhood over. To this day my dad still shows off his fuzzy photos of his TV at the moment Armstrong stepped off the ladder...

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Susie Soto, Davie, FL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:35:44 GMT

I was 10 years old living in Lima, Peru. It was late at night glued to the TV. I remember my mother and father very emotional with the event and my sister and I happy to be up late at night and amazed to see the lunar pictures.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Raul Rivera, Denver, CO — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:41:04 GMT

I was in the 8th grade, and my father was in Vietnam. There was a oommunity of families in San Juan, Puerto Rico waiting for their loved ones to come home from the war, and I remember being given permission to stay at a friend's house to watch the moon landing. Very grainy pictures, but I knew it was important.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Chuck Coates — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:43:49 GMT

I was 3 miles of the coast of Vietnam on the USS Sanctuary, a hospital ship. We were receiving casulties that day and we did not know the landing was succesful until later in the day (21st US time).

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dan Long Beach, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:48:31 GMT

In Vietnam and thinking why the United States could place a craft on the moon but not end an illegal war.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mike Farrelly, Aptos, California — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:48:59 GMT

I was 19 years old when Neil Armstrong first stepped on the moon. It was just chance I had tickets to the 5th Dimension at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. This is a small, open air theatre set in the trees of Griffith Park. What a night! Both of my parents worked at North American Avaition at the time. North American was the prime contractor for the Apollo command module. I was a pilot at the time and really interested in every thing related to the space race. Fortunately, I had a front row seat. When the spacecraft returned from a mission they were displayed at the Downey plant and employees and family could see them up close.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Rich Hunsaker, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:52:34 GMT

I watched Arnstrong drop from the ladder onto the moon while adjusting my dad's Craig reel-to-reel private tape recorder. I had gotten the space bug during one of the Mercury spacewalks and have never looked back. We taped every moonlanding and those tapes disintegrated before I was in college.
The contrast I hold from those days to these days begins with Values. We were awestruck at the facts of the age: man on moon, men at war, civil unrest, and engineering innovation. In 1969, "the quality went in before the name went on." Today, the speed of life has increased to the point where we are naming the condition before we understand the consequences and treating simptoms before the root cause is known. In all fairness, I feel just as unemployed as the next downsized or economically challenged person. Looking into my children's eyes when there isn't any money for a movie or a new toy doesn't make any social/ political difference either.
This time we face a new set of problems that require our attention such as national health care, crumbling infrastructure, reformation of schooling, the future of American GDP, and the central theme of American ethics and values. My point being that this is a higher mountain to traverse because since the time of those landings, we have made a committment to answer to our children and those issues loom into different fabric in this age.

Personally, we must rescue the planet from our tyranny. The people of the industriallized world can't remain on the earth. In the same period of those landings, people like Gerard O'Neil (MIT) showed us that moving to space was not only feasible, but attainable. Who remembers the '72 Buick Roadmaster Station Wagon? Well, the same technology that put that behemouth (original suv) on the road could and would put us in space!

So, to answer your challenge, my input is to lay down our differences and save the planet, the rest will fall into place. God have mercy!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Craig, Colorado — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:52:34 GMT

I had just turned 14. I watched it with my family members from the snackbar at the hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs Colorado. We were on the way back home from a family vacation at Lake Powell and had stopped for a swim. It was a positive break from the usual dinner hour carnage broadcast from Vietnam on the 3 available TV networks.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Cliff Knight, Saint Augustine, FL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:53:15 GMT

I was in a '65 Corvair, with my "ex" and two close friend, parked on Cole's Hill in Plymouth MA, overlooking Plymouth Rock. We watched the landing on a 9" Sony B&W TV plugged in to the cigar lighter.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Cindy Yount, Fullerton, California — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:56:36 GMT

The day of the first walk on the moon was my 9th birthday and I have celebrated it every year since then. I remember my family going to my Grandmother's house to watch the event on her COLOR television. Even though the images from the moon were not broadcast in color, it was too important an event to watch on a black and white TV! I have the utmost respect for the men and women who took on the challenge and made it happen. Their courage and intelligence represent the best of the USA for which we can all be proud.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Gene Spinner, Crested Butte, CO — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:01:00 GMT

I was patrolling the jungles of Vietnam with the First Cav. I remember thinking that it seemed that the soldiers and marines grunting around the hills, jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam were farther from our homes and in infinitely more peril than the astronauts.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

John S., Seattle, WA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:11:30 GMT

We watched the moon walk at my grandfather's cottage on the beach at Owls Head, Maine. It was our summer vacation, I was 10, and for days we had been enraptured as Walter Cronkite narrated Apollo's progress towards the moon, using models like the plastic ones I had built to demonstrate the command and lunar modules. When Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface, my grandfather was stretched out on the couch, watching in silence. I remember thinking that he had been an airplane mechanic in World War 1, had driven a horse and buggy, and now he was seeing a man walk on the moon. And I was awe struck, even at 10, with how far we had progressed in just two generations.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Maria H Newman, Gainesville, FL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:17:12 GMT

I was in Titusville at my parents house. They lived there for 5 years and I, my family and siblings would often visit and watched many shots go up. That week I was there as my mother was actively dying in the Titusville Hospital. We took turns and sat with her round the clock. I was free and went to the base to watch the moon shot go up. There were thousands of people who came from all over the country just to watch the few moments visibility we had of the rocket taking it to outer space. I remember walking among the crowd and running into friends from our old neighborhood in Cincinnati where we lived for 30 years before Mama and Papa moved to Titusville so she and my brother could work on Cape Kennedy [as it was then known]. We were so proud and excited by the space program and felt a real family tie to it. My mother died the day the astronauts landed. Every year thereafter I would burst into tears when the radio or TV would announce the anniversary. And yet be happy, too, because she, a naturalized citizen from Cuba, was so proud of the space program and often took us to the Cape.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

City — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:17:47 GMT

I still have the original Newspaper from the day " One Small Step" was One Giant Leap for mankind !

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Michel Merlin, Versailles, France — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:19:01 GMT

I was living in Lyon west outskirt. I was a 29 single. As everyone I had no TV. In France it was the middle of the night. Despite lacking time and sleep (I was a very busy engineer, managing engineers and technicians on a vast territory), I kept awake to listen to radio, for hours. The whole world was speaking of nothing else, retaining breath and listening and reading and watching. To not miss when they would get out of the LEM, I rushed to the other end of Lyon (20min only, middle night) to watch TV at the TV region HQ where a few TV sets were installed outside for the public. We were plenty in the clear and calm night, with blankets and some camp beds, swapping eyes from TVs to the actual moon and back. The atmosphere was marvelous: all the humans on earth felt as just one family around the few who went there for us all. After long wait I went back to sleep a while then came back (20min each time), so to not miss that event - which, as was obvious to everyone, would remain the greatest of life for all the ones alive in that time.

It was obvious that this night the number of people watching TV at the same time world wide was to be not matched for decades.

Versailles, Sat 11 Jul 2009 18:19:00 +0200

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mark McKee — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:19:20 GMT

My birthday is July 20th, 1958, so I watched Apollo 11 on my 11th birthday. Thank you fans, thank you....

Where were you when Apollo flew?

RJ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:22:17 GMT

I will never forget that day. You see, July 20, is my birthday, and I turned 9 that day. I was at a local minor league baseball game when it happened so I did not see it live, but the PA announcement came during the game and everyone cheered. I saw lots of TV reports about it later back home with the rest of my family.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Lauren Novatne-Harris Reedley, California — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:34:16 GMT

I was 12, and my father had worked as an mechanical test engineer on the rocket that was now on the moon. I watched the broadcast from my grandparent's living room, as my parents were unable to care for me and my sisters at the time. I felt a great deal of pride that my father had been an engineer on the Saturn 5 that took us to the moon, and a cavernous sorrow that he couldn't be with us as we watched his greatest accomplishment. I now teach introductory physics in a small rural community college, and I have photos of my dad with his part of that huge bird in the background for perspective on the size of the rocket, it's fuel requirements and how physics is ultimately what got us there. My students love hearing about some of the stories Dad told me from his time on the Apollo mission.His notebook, mission patch and slide rules are treasures that I cherish. I am a second generation rocket scientist, and one of my nephews carries our family tradition to the third degree as a Marine Corp Pilot who holds two master's degrees in separate engineering disciplines. The Apollo 11 mission has been a personally significant part of my life, and celebrating the 40th anniversary of our technical accomplishments reassures me that we haven't forgotten an important part of our social history.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jennifer Johnson, Reno, NV — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:34:19 GMT

I was 7, and playing in the sandbox with my younger brother and sister. I remember getting mad because my Grandpa made us come in an watch the landing on their dinky black and white TV. When the broadcast was over I said, "OK, OK, can I go back out and play now??" :)

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ken Kimball,West Springfield, MA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:34:43 GMT

I was watching and had been paying attention since Alan Shepard first trip Certainly was a memorable acheivement

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Cliff Boxer, Pennsville, NJ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:39:09 GMT

I was serving in the Navy on the USS Gunston Hall LSD-5. We were in Viet Nam somewhere. I did not hear much about it until later.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Meredith Dixon, Mannington, West Virginia — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:42:57 GMT

I was six, and living on the East Coast, which meant that I got to stay up past my bedtime to watch the landing. That in itself was exciting. Beyond that, I was more interested in the countdown numbers that would periodically come onto the screen than in the landing itself, though I dutifully watched Armstrong come down the ladder, because my mother said what I was watching was important and I should always remember it.

But although I didn't know enough to be excited at the time, that soon changed. By the time I was nine -- and I hadn't even, yet, discovered science fiction! -- I was absolutely and calmly certain that by the time I grew up there would be a colony on the moon and I would live there. I studied selenography -- lunar geography -- with the keen interest of a prospective immigrant.

It has been an abiding disappointment to me, my whole life long, that there is no colony on the moon, and that I cannot even make a visit there. It is wrong that there isn't. There ought to have been.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jay Finnell, Clovis, NM — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:46:59 GMT

I was 29 years old, In the USAF and assigned at Nellis AFB NV. On this particular day my buddies and I were walking the "Strip." When the announcement was made the entire strip erupted with cheers, yells. and a more than a few drunken screams. Everybody was so very proud of our accomplishment as a nation. Many of the hotels had an "open bar" for a few hours to help the mood along1

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Marg Freeman — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:57:33 GMT

I was in Japan on a trip when the launch occurred. But I was in Hong Kong on a junk fishing with some friends when the landing occured. We listened to the landing on the radio. The next day, I bought a newspaper which was full of landing news. I am a teacher and still show that paper to my students in Astronomy.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dennis Machias Maine — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:01:07 GMT

When will we get some live feed shots of the "Equipment" levt behind and shut the naysayers up for good.
Working on my 57 Chevy Nomad at the time and my mother got mad because of the grease dirt we tracked into the house to watch

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Martina, Chicago IL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:08:16 GMT

I was 22 months old propped in front of our Sony black-and-white TV alongside my 3-year-old brother. (The TV, incidentally, nearly toppled onto me a few months later -- I do remember the TV mishap, but unfortunately have no conscious recollection of the lunar landing).

Where were you when Apollo flew?

carol jones — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:11:18 GMT

That year I was up to my ears in music. Bob Dylan recalled the sentiment in the lyrics, “There was music in the cafes at night; And revolution in the air.” Nothing describes my experience of 1969 better than that. Though misunderstood and feared by a static generation, it was a time of self-discovery and connectivity to one another, for which the music played a central role. The July moonwalk became a significant part of that narrative, connecting different cultures together in one unique moment. Many of us felt it represented a transcendent way of thinking, that we could actually leave our tethered life on the planet and soar to new unimagined heights, both physically as well as metaphysically. It seemed the event was a natural outcome of free and forward thinking. In the midst of adolescence, I was aware, as I watched the unclear black and white images on the family room TV, that my understanding of the event was radically different than my parents’ perspective. My grandmother had just died, and the sense of life moving on into new frontiers also occupied my thoughts. While I made no concrete predictions about the future, I doubt I would have believed that the trajectory of history would be what it was: that the space program would be less than a national focus; that science would be demoted to a debate about belief; that we would look back at the moment with such quaint nostalgia for a simpler time. Now my perspective is from the other end of life. The idea of personal connectivity has been technologically achieved beyond our wildest imaginings. I hope those advances help rekindle a sense of possibility and unrestrained dreams for the current generation; to once again break the bonds of inert thought by strolling on the sterling-silver moon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mike from MI — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:11:25 GMT

I was a crazy 20 something enjoying my annual vacation to cape canaveral and a friend and I took his boat about 15 miles off-shore to watch the rocket leave. As fate and good fortune would have it, I was back home in NJ to watch the actual first step on the moon. A special vacation, huh?

Where were you when Apollo flew?

St Augustine, florida — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:14:19 GMT

I was 6.67 years old. This is the oldest world event I remember. My parents took us to the roof of the house in Bombay India. When we moved to Canada a year plus later I remember building models of the lunar module. I remember getting hooked on Star Trek. I knew this was what the world was supposed to be like. Sure enough I grew up to be an engineer.

What I would give to be on the moon. A day does not go by when I am not thinking about rockets and space ships.

Now I live in St. Augustine Florida just north of the space center. Whenever there is a shuttle launch I am outside my house on the beach gazing at the sky. I know what I will be doing July 20th.

To quote ALT "to strive to seek to find and not to yield."

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Paula Presley, Kirksville, Missouri — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:29:06 GMT

July 20, 1969. I was a 31-year-old housewife, with children ages 10, 9, and 5. My husband was home from work, and we were gathered around our small black-and-white TV. We were not disappointed when the Eagle landed. We joined people around the world in exulting about this!

The thing that moved me as much--remember, this was 1969--was something I heard (or thought I heard) from the announcers narrating the landing: that this was the first time in the history of the world that everybody in the world *could,* if they had a TV set, see the same thing at the same time. I haven't researched this to see if it is true--probably because I don't want to find I was mistaken.

It was awesome to think that everybody in the world COULD hear and see the same thing at the same time. Remember, it was 1969--we didn't have the Internet, the Web. True, we saw the Vietnam War on TV every day, but that was videotapes taken earlier; it was not live coverage.

So why was this worldwide live coverage of the moon landing so amazing to me? I had grown up in a fundamentalist church and heard from a young age many a sermon about the Lord's return to earth -- that Scripture says that at that time "every knee shall bow and every tongue confess" at the same time. When I heard this, I would envision every human being seeing God, all at the same time, and my curious mind would wonder how this could be possible since the world was round. I pondeedr this while I was a little girl, but thought about it less and less as I grew older.

The moving thing to me in 1969 was that here and now -- in 1969 -- that it truly was possible for every human being in the world to see the same thing at the same time, to see it live.

I'm a university-educated woman now, and have had ample opportunity to research this, but I haven't. I still want to be amazed at the concept of worldwide live TV in 1969. Perhaps now, 40 years later, I might be brave enough to find out if by awe of 1969 was valid.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

phillip lacock — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:32:56 GMT

july 20th 1969, san francisco, haight-ashbury district, i was 21 years old.

president johnson was considering a pullout in viet nam, a lost cause with many lost soliders.

we 'hippies' were very skeptical of any 'government' at this time,but needless to say, all televisions everywhere were tuned into this landing.

there was a scense of hope and awe to see what a commited group of people could accomplish, yes, i was american and proud.

my major fear was not the landing, but the escape from this hostile place, to land alive was one thing, but to return on many untested technologies was the real cliff-hanger, these were flimsy, quickly made spacecraft, the odds of doing this again at this time are remote, lady luck, let your light shine on me, it was meant to be.

science and education are truly the tools of world peace, can you imagine, 'peace on earth' ?

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Marty from Colorado — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:34:52 GMT

I was in the central highlands of Viet Nam

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ron Kinder, Simpsonville, SC — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:41:39 GMT

I was 15 and vacationing in Daytona Beach Fl and saw the launch from the beach, even 60 miles away the saturn v looked like a match going accross the sky. We ran in and watched Walter Cronkite after it had gone out of sight. We were home in Knoxville TN by the time of the landing and I watched and audio recorded it on an old reel to reel tape as it actually happened.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Chris — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:42:14 GMT

I Watched it in Florida on my way to Europe at age 15. Hard to forget watching it at the mall on one of their show room TVs but I couldn’t walk away either. It was a first for the both of us, so far away from home. They were the real travelers and adventurers as I was only about 9500 miles from home.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Deb Ray, Lawrenceburg, KY — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:44:21 GMT

I was 9, sitting in my grandparents' living room watching the launch when my dad called to say that I had a new baby sister. My granddad couldn't understand why my parents refused to name her "Apollo Ann" or "Saturn Sally!"

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave Wolf, Denver, CO — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:49:31 GMT

Hi,

I was 11 years & 2 days, old and visiting with my grandparents for the summer. I had made a model of the Eagle lander, had it attached to a small electric motor, and winched it up and down pretending it was the real thing as we watched the landing.

What a proud time to be an American that was.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

JC Hughes — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:51:31 GMT

I was in the Iron Triangle RVN sleeping on the back deck of my tank in between pulling guard. My driver was in the tank commanders cupola of the Sheridan
and he woke me up and told me that they did it, they landed on the moon! I was so tired that my comment was "great" and I went back to sleep. The next day was another day at the war and I never thought much more about it. Many years later now flying as a Captain for a major airline I asked Buzz Aldrin if he would come up to the cockpit. He did and I got to tell him my story. His comment was "nobody's ever told me that one before". We laughed.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

J Wood, Springfield, TN — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:58:59 GMT

My husband and I had been home to visit relatives and were returning to North Carolina where he was stationed with the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg. We listeded to it on the radio.

The moon was full, and I stared out the window at that moon most of the trip as I listened to the news reports.

I have been able to see virtually all of the previous launches, and it was extremely disappointing to have not been able to get to a television to watch it. If I remember correctly, we were delayed by car trouble.

We were able to visit the Cape later and see Apollo 17, the last one, sitting on the launch pad shortly before it was launched. That, too, was a thrill.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Astrid Tollefsen — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:04:50 GMT

I was in a summer playhouse in Ohio watching Paul LInd in a wonderful musical comedy...Bye Bye Birdy, maybe with Elaine Stritch also???
The play stopped and Paul came out and announced that we had a man on the moon..I remember that he was fighting back the tears as were we all..... A WONDERFUL MEMORY IN OHIO and Paul. After applause, they then continued with the play. I was so impressed with it all. the announcement, the feeling and the professionalism.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ron Peck, Portland OR — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:11:34 GMT

It was the first thing I remember watching on TV. I was outside on our farm in Idaho and my parents dragged me inside to watch it. It's memorable to me because my grandfather later told me that as a young man he was on one of the last wagon trains and walked from Colorado to southern Idaho and it took them 3 months. Late in his life, just before he told me this story, he flew back to Colorado to see where he was born. The trip required 3 hours. His point to me was that was how much the world had changed in his lifetime and I should remember the Apollo launch as the starting point for mine.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Vivian, Bay Minette AL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:22:40 GMT

I was nineteen when the Apollo landed on the moon and working with the church in Vienna, Austria as a secretary for the summer. Remember the pictures from the old Christmas movies, where everyone is standing at a store window watching television? That is the way it was for me then....it was exciting and as you can tell I can still remember it!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

D Ryan — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:22:51 GMT

I watched it with my parents & my grandmother,
stayed up very late to see them actually get out on the surface, Very exciting, My grandmother, at 69 yrs old, had seen horse & buggies, Lindy's flight,(had a party that night to celebrate,)and now men landing on the moon. She said she'd like to go when it became available for ordinary citzens.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

gary deutscher — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:23:20 GMT

When I was in second grade I caught the reading bug. I

quickly got to the point of reading everything insight.

What I read most often was science fiction. This was

well before sci-fi came along. Ray Bradbury, Robert

Heinlein, Arthur C. Clark, and Isaac Assimov were the

kindling to my imagination. People zipping through space

and encountering alien races. This was the stuff of my

dreams. The television season in 1963 included shows

like Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Time Machine, Land

of the Lost, and Lost in Space. These fed my my need for

all things space. Then in 1964 Star Trek came on. I was

9 years old and totally inspired.

I watched all the shows and all the re-runs for years. I

followed all the gemini and apollo space flights

religiously. Thrilling at every triumph. Mourning the

deaths and speculating about the future.

Then one hot day in July of 1969 one man took oner small

step ontot he surface of another world. I can remeber

the den in our old house where we kept the tv. I

remember what I was wearing who was there.

Those who were there can tell you where they were when

they heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Who they

were with when president Roosevelt died. What they were

doing when news of the end of world war II was

announced. These were momments that defined the live of

the people who witnessed them. For me the assasination

of John Kennedy and the moon landing 5 years later were

my defining moments.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mara du Toit, Johannesburg, South Africa — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:23:52 GMT

Aged 12 in girls' boarding school in then-Rhodesia, nobody else in hostel seemed interested. I don't even recall teachers talking about it. At a very early hour in the morning (time difference) I woke up and went into the toilets to listen on a little battery operated radio pressed to my ear! It was just wonderful - an incredible human endeavour transcending everything.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ginny Murphy, Richmond, Maine — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:25:06 GMT

I was in a bar called Arthur's on Long Island with my husband and friends. They kept showing "simulations" and we wondered whether Apollo had really landed!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Joe Gagner, Bismarck, ND — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:27:32 GMT

I remember sitting in the living room with Mom and Dad, and watching the Lunar Lander on the TV screen. It was 10:00 p.m. and bed time, but Neil Armstrong was just taking his first steps on the moon and we kept watching together until about 10:30. Then Mom and Dad went to bed without a word. I kept my mouth shut and kept watching. I had never been allowed to stay up this late before, except at Christmas for midnight mass. Bedtime was a cardinal rule in our house, and just never broken for anything not of utmost importance. I guess Mom and Dad knew how much this meant to me. Some time later, Mom awoke and the light was still on. She stuck her head out to see why, and I was still glued to the TV. She asked why, and I told her. The walk had lasted until after midnight, but they were still on the moon and I was worried over whether or not it would launch okay. She just told me to not stay up to late, and went back to bed. It was about 1:30 a.m. Central time, and I did not go to bed until the astronauts did about two hours later. They were still on the moon and Eagle wouldn't return to Columbia until the next afternoon. When it did, we were all watching the view from the camera left behind.
As Eagle lifted, there was a sense I felt that this meant every bit as much to Mom and Dad as it did to me. It was the first time in my life that I was able to recognize a shared sense of importance that we shared equally. It was only one man setting foot on the moon, and another joining him there. But it had taken all of humanity to get them there...not just President Kennedy setting the goal, not just NASA running the space program, not just the U.S. goverment funding them, but all the farmers that provided food, all the craftsmen who built the buildings, the engineers and technicians who designed and built the spacecraft. It was America who did this thing, but it was not accomplished without the contribution of everybody in the world doing whatever they did to keep the system going so part of it could triumph in this special way.
As the moon dwindled in the distance, we all knew what we had known in the depths of our souls the instant Neil Armstrong uttered his historic quote. It was only one small step, and it was only one man's foot. But the footprints left behind will remain indelible forever, even after the physical imprints are hidden by the dusts of time, for they were planted with the strength of all of humanity.
For a few gleaming moments, the world though many was truly one.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bill Gotthold, Wenatchee, WA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:28:38 GMT

I was a brand new doctor starting my intern year at Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco. I was on duty in the ER that night. We usually saw 50+ people on that shift, but only two came in because everyone was watching. We all, including the patients, watched the whole thing and thought it was wonderful.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Marcia — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:32:11 GMT

I was in Venice, Italy, staying, at the, yes this is true, Luna Hotel. Coincidence. Everyone in the hotel gathered around a black and white TV in the lobby. For some reason, the news anchor was broadcasting in front of a studio audience, lending a slightly surreal overlay to the tension. It didn't matter that we couldn't understand a word he was saying. It was a trans-lingual experience. When they touched down, he completely lost it, shouting in Italian and jumping behind his desk with crazed hand gestures. Everyone in the lobby started hugging us, the Americans. It was like that all day through the city. America had taken the world past imagination.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Joe, Lake Orion MI — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:43:25 GMT

I was nine years old at the time. My family and I were on our way home to Detroit from a vacation near Port Huron MI. I listened to the blastoff on the car radio, then stayed glued to the television for the remainder of the mission. I've had a fascination for anything to do with space exploration ever since.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Cindy Paquette — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:49:35 GMT

I was a nine year old little girl - very much a tomboy with no concept of any gender limitations to my future existing "out in the world". Watching the moon landing and then moon walk on our family's black n white motorola with everyone else meant watching the tv sitting in my spot on the floor in front of the couch between the knees of Mom n Dad. Being #6 of 7 and relegated to the floor instead of sharing the chair or the couch with the older ones was normal and fine with me. My little brother and I were uncharacteristically well behaved (ie: quiet) during this time, I remember, and only dared the slightest of whispers as we planned our own flights together when we grew up. It was a time to believe this would happen for everyone!...Some Christmastime before then my little brother had gotten the G.I Joe Gemini capsul & record set and I got some kind of silly doll...but did I notice? Nope, didn't matter!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

John Marsden, Orlando, FL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:17:15 GMT

I remember sitting in my parents bedroom watching a borrowed 9" Sony B&W TV (we didn't have one for religious reasons). The moment was especially poignant for my dad as he had designed two of the radar systems on the Lunar Landing Module for RCA - so not only did we see Neil touching down on the moon, but we saw our dad's work as well.

When I met Buzz Aldrin a few years ago and told him about my dad, he said to "thank him" because the systems worked and he got home!!!

Probably our finest hour in the past 4 decades - would that we could rise to those kinds of heights in this day & age of ME.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Robert Ruxlow, Barstow, Calif. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:18:08 GMT

I was on the station control console at Deep Space Station 14, which is a part of the Goldstone Tracking complex near Barstow, California. The station tracked the entire mission in support of the regular Apollo tracking network. Although really a Deep Space Station, we served to augment the smaller dish antennas of the Apollo network during Lunar missions.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jane Bozman, Las Vegas, Nevada — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:19:50 GMT

I was a young wife and mother on July 20, 1969, living in Nashville, Tennessee. Our marriage was young and our first-born, Eddie, was only 18 months old. We hopped into our 1966 Mustang convertible and embarked on our first family vacation. It started to rain in torrents shortly after we got into the car so up went the top. The rain continued until we reached the Florida Alabama border.
When we descended deep into the Florida peninsula, we began to realize just how close we were to the historic lift off at Cape Canaveral. My reasoning was, this is a once in a lifetime event, maybe we should attempt to see the lift off up close.
Our AAA Triptik plan was to head down the western side of the peninsula, which meant we would completely miss the lift off site. So we turned left and headed into the fray. We were soon engulfed in a horrific traffic jam. It looked like everybody else in Florida had the same idea. We quickly realized our folly, turned around and resumed our original plan.
We really enjoyed that trip, our first as a family, and our young son, Eddie, got his first taste of the ‘crazy water’ crashing to shore and the joy of playing in the sand. We were poor struggling students so this was a camping trip. We learned the hard way, camping in the sand was not fun. Nevertheless, Eddie enjoyed it all, gleefully challenging his father to race with him as we toured historic ruins. His favorite refrain was, “Ready, Set, Go,” as he proudly challenged his father to race. The wonderment of youth won the day and Eddie always ‘won’ those races.”
After we returned to Nashville, our good friends Beverly and Charlie invited us over to see two new historic happenings, their brand new color TV and the historic landing on the moon. We were transfixed and Eddie was enraptured, frequently pressing his nose right up against the screen in an attempt to become as one with the event. Life was good.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Richard Riddle — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:20:13 GMT

The moon landing is probably my earliest memory as I was not quite 3 yrs old. My grandparents had taken my sister and me camping at Hanging Rock State Park, NC. I remember that we were allowed to stay up past our bedtime because of the scheduled moon landing. Someone (a park ranger perhaps) had a black and white TV and everyone was crowded around it watching when Neil set foot on the moon. After he uttered his famous quote, a great cheer from the crowd went up. Although I didn't quite grasp the fact that it was history in the making, I still remember the event.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Sherry Penry, San Antonio, Tx — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:30:23 GMT

I was 9 years old in July, 1960 and like most remember getting to stay up late to see that first step on the moon. My best memory of the Apollo Moon landing actually comes from a conversation that I had with my grandfather (who was 57 in July, 1969) many years after the landing.

While on vacation to the Gulf coast with my grandparents, I asked my grandfather the following question: " Grandaddy, what would you say is the greatest thing you have witnessed?" His answer: "Neil Armstrong, walking on the moon" To him the idea that we could actually leave our own planet was something that he never thought would happen and when it did, the realization of that dream was pure amazement and joy. And I knew what he meant. I still remember the excitement and attention that was given to the Apollo Missions.

Now thinking back to that conversation leaves me a little sad. Not because I miss Grandaddy (he passed away in 1998 and I do miss him), but because I know that it was possible that my own children, who have grown up in an era of constant change and instant gratification may never get a chance to know that type of wonderment.

I guess you could say it’s all a matter of perspective. My grandfather was born at a time of very slow technological changes and my children when rapid change is par for the course. I think we got the better deal.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bob Bohman, Joliet, Montana — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:38:29 GMT

I was a GI Bill geology student attending a summer field school in a small town in the mountains of Puerto Rico, living in a vacant room in the local high school. The school agreed to set up a television in the cafeteria, on the condition that the room would also be available to the local citizens for watching. I remember a sense of wonder as I watched the first descent of the ladder...and an elderly local lady seated next to me who was crossing herself and fingering a rosary. Scientific wonder and just plain old human wonder are sometimes closer than we think.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

CJ, El Cajon, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:40:20 GMT

While I'm far too young for Apollo, I was in fifth grade during the Challenger disaster. My Gate teacher was a licensed pilot (she had her own 4-seater Cessna) and had arranged for our class to receive the video downlinks from Mrs. McAuliffe.

After the explosion, she apparently made a couple quick phone calls, and the next week (when we were supposed to have had the downlink science class) she took us on a field trip to the airstrip and we got to go up in the control tower, crawl into her Cessna, and meet some of her friends from the CAP.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

David Duval Fulton ,NY — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:45:36 GMT

I was on my first day of R+R in Hawaii. I walked in to the cheap hotel room the government had assigned me and turned on the TV. There was this strange looking black and white picture of some Sci/Fi
movie with a spacemen going down the last steps of a ladder. I turned the TV off and went out to see the sights. I later learned that what I had seen was real.
We were so far removed from the "World" that we didn't know what was going on. Of course most of the country didn't know what was going on with us either.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

C Sachs, Seattle, WA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:45:40 GMT

My father was a career officer flying for the USAF out of Biloxi, Mississippi, at Keelser AFB. I was only 5 years old at the time, but I clearly remember being excited by the lunar missions. My brothers and I, and our parents, sat around in our PJs in front of our black and white TV... I think our parents had woken us up to watch (we had watched the launch and followed the progression to the moon on and off). All I remember is an impression of sitting in a darkened room with the flickering TV light eating popcorn and there being a aura of wonder and joy, and closeness with my brothers and parents. The events of that era sparked a lifelong interest in science, science fiction, the universe and everything related. I was certain that, as I grew, so would our adventure into space with repeat visits to the moon, a permanent lunar colony, space stations and many opportunities for mere civilians to be live and work beyond this earth. It was the beginning of something that never really flew high enough or far enough. It's good to note that we might be going back... perhaps in my son's lifetime. I would like, though, to be able to share the experience that I had had when I was a child with him the way my parents had shared it with me.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Christa Rose Barron, Scotts Valley, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:56:47 GMT

I was comfy cozy in my mommas womb, but coming out in 24 days.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bruce Morganti, Tucson, AZ — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:59:26 GMT

My brother and I were a few days into our stay at YMCA Camp somewhere in the Tehachapi Mountains of Southern California. The camp counselors -- a rather strict bunch -- had just gotten everyone settled into our 'cabins' (basically a couple of walls and a roof). It always took a while for the two hundred or so kids to quiet down, so it must have been a real act of abandon for the head counselor to announce over the P.A. system: "Just over three minutes ago, American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon."

I remember a slow surge of sound rising up from the cabins on the hillside: the cheers and applause grew louder and louder, until they echoed through the wooded canyons. Then lights started popping on, and people were jumping around, hugging, and cheering some more. The girls, whom we normally would never have seen, came over from their side of the campground. Nobody was going back to sleep, so we re-lit the bonfire and roasted marshmallows and sang all night.

I was only twelve, but I experienced a genuine surge of pride and gratitude for the great good fortune of having been born within these borders. The chaos and uncertainty of those tumultuous times (can anybody understand what the Cold War was like without having lived through it?) seemed to subside, and hope was real for those few hours around that mountain campfire.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

mzk, ny — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:06:21 GMT

I was 4 days short of my 9th birthday, and we had adult cousins over. I may be the only person to remember what happened after the landing. The hatch wouldn't open. They tried to get it open, and my parents ordered me to bed over my howls of protest. The next morning, I asked eagerly if the hatch had ever opened, and was crushed to learn it had opened not long after I was sent to bed. I demanded to know why they didn't get me, and was told in the excitement, they didn't think of it. I still remember the hatch being stuck--does anyone else?? Anyone??

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Michael W. Michelsen, Jr. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:06:35 GMT

I was 13 years old. My father was in Vietnam, and my mother, brother, and I went to visit my grandparents in Kansas City, MO. We almost the entire day getting ready for the big event, until late afternoon when, of all things, the television died. We hightailed it down to a television rental place to get a television for the evening. And if that wasn't enough, my broter and I wanted a fire in the fireplace. Why, I can't imagine, but we built a fire in the fireplace, which promptly filled the house with smoke. When we finally got the house cleared, it was time to watch the landing...a day I will never forget.

Thanks for the memories, Neil and Buzz.

Mike

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Don Mo, The Village of Font, PA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:07:00 GMT

I was eight years old, and was at my first major league baseball game at Fenway Park. My dad and I were in the right field grandstand as the Boston Red Sox hosted the Baltimore Orioles. Boston's Ray Culp faced Baltimore's Mike Cuellar. Don Buford led off the game with a triple, and the Red Sox won 6-5 after the Orioles' comeback failed despite three runs in the ninth.

The game was interrupted at 4:17 PM by Fenway public address announcer Sherm Feller who announced that Apollo 11 had landed safely on the moon. After a moment of silence was observed (ostensibly to give thanks for the safe landing), a guy with a tuba stood up in the right field upper box seats and played God Bless America.

Later that night, after too many hot dogs, too much pizza, and other junk at the game, I was up throwing up late into the night, which allowed me to see the shots of Armstrong and Aldrin out of the LEM and walking on the moon (which I recall being at around 1:00 AM Eastern, but may be incorrect).

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Chuck, Walworth, WI — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:16:58 GMT

It was an eventful year for me. I had come back from Vietnam because my father had died, just gotten out of the service, gone to work in public affairs at Allstate Insurance, was engaged to Patty and just rented a one bedroom apartment in a 3+1, with almost no furniture. The TV was on the floor of the living room, near the window overlooking the alley, and we had to wiggle the rabbit ears to get in the moon walk, but we did and it was fantastic!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ken, LaPorte IN — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:17:03 GMT

I was 12 years old, and out west somewhere on a camping trip with my family. We had stopped for gas in the middle of nowhere at the moment of landing, and along with the station attendant we listened on the car radio to hear "Houston, Tranquilty base here. The Eagle has landed". We talked my dad into staying at a motel for the night so we could watch the live moon walk on the little bitty motel TV. If humans can do this, no goal on Earth should be out of reach.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Joe Brandon — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:23:12 GMT

I was sitting in Shrewry's Pizza in Waukegan,Ill. I had driven like a bat out of you know where from Arlington Heights to get home in time to watch it, roughly 6:30 in the evening. Onr thing that still stands out to me. the tears of joy in Walter Croonkites and Frank Reynolds eyes. no words were needed, That said it all.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Thomas A Bowers, Hockessin, Delaware — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:23:52 GMT

I saw the launch of Apollo 11, 5 miles from the launch pad when I was 9 years old. Our family headed across country from Florida on vacation for 4 weeks. I remember being in a campground store watching a black and white TV in Cody, Wyoming when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Thomas A Bowers, Hockessin, Delaware — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:24:36 GMT

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Nicholas Hord — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:29:30 GMT

I was in a daycare in Sarasota Florida. I remember I was in the playyard, turned around and saw the rocket. TV was one thing but the real thing just blew my little mind..

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Larry Hirsch, So San Francisco CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:33:19 GMT

I was 16 yrs old delivering Chinese food in South San Francisco. No one cooked that night and everyone was ebullient giving great tips. There was no traffic and the moonwalk had been again delayed. I got off earlier than the other drivers and was on my way home when I saw two hitchhikers stuck with no traffic. I told them I would take them to the freeway entrance as it was a few miles out of my way. On the radio while driving home, Armstrong took the first steps.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Kathryn Fowler, Athens, GA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:43:29 GMT

I was 20 and a newly minted college graduate. It was my last summer at home in Florence, South Carolina, before leaving the nest forever, and I was working my final summer job as a cashier for a loan company.

For much of my childhood, space adventures had played a role. I remember standing in the backyard with all the neighbors after an evening of cooking out and ice cream churning, staring at a bright speck cross the heavens above while my Dad pointed out that it was Sputnik, the Russian satellite. I had watched the Apollo rockets go up and the monkeys, dogs, and then men make all the intermediate steps to get us to the day when we landed on the moon. At Moore Junior High School, a television would be rolled in on a cart so we could watch launches and rescues at sea when the capsules came down. Each time, we held our breath, afraid that disaster would strike. Indeed, we had watched disaster happen when Grissom, Chaffe, and White died on the launch pad in a fire.

So, there was much tension in the small living room where my Mom and Dad had raised me, my brother, and assorted cousins and where our tiny black and white television was beaming grainy pictures from the moon. I sat cross-legged in front of the television with my Kodak Instamatic camera in hand, determined to get a picture from the screen. When Neil Armstrong made that last drop onto the Moon's surface, I held the camera very still and snapped the photograph which is still in my first photo album.

I took two or three more photos during the newscast as well. In those days, when photographs were on film and you had to buy flashbulbs as well, I didn't snap away with abandon as we all do now with our digital cameras.

That was an amazing summer. Chappaquiddick and the Manson murders happened, I left home for good, and man walked on the moon. I will never forget it, and I have the pictures to prove I was there.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Angie Bacon, Bradenton, Florida — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:44:42 GMT

I am from England and when Apollo 11 took off for the moon on July 16, it was my 20th birthday. When Neil Armstrong landed on the moon on July 20, I was on a date with my fiance now my husband of 38 years and I remember waving at the moon and wishing them well.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Beth Hill, Pelican, Louisiana — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:46:32 GMT

I sat up all night in order to watch the moon landing.
I was in graduate school so I decided to cut out a dress and sew it while watching TV. I finished the dress and wore it to school the next day. I put my dress up and each July, it is a reminder of that special day. I call it my "moon dress".

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Diane Murphy, Manhattan Beach, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:51:57 GMT

I was a young American student in Moscow. We watched on a tiny b/w TV. American flags were handed out in Red Square during this height of the Cold War. Actually the Russian people were excited - not angry.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Albert Aleandri — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:55:22 GMT

I was in the 4 grade when President Kennedy made his speech about going to the moon. At the same time my dad worked for Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) in Waterton Canyon outside Denver machining pieces for the Atlas booster rockets. In class in 1962 we watched John Glenn take off and had the tv on the whole day as he circled the earth. By the time the Atlas 5 took off for the moon Dad had changed jobs and was working at another facility run by the Atomic Energy Commission but I was always watching the space flights on my channel of choice NBC. I was glued to the tv in the wee hours of the morning watching in awe and knowing that my dad helped build rockets that lead to what I was watching. All the years later and I still have pride about American know how when ever the Shuttle takes off.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

cynthia, Brimfield, MA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:58:45 GMT

These are such great stories and reflections on a such a different period of our lives. I was 14 and "stayed up" alone to watch the landing on our small black and white tv (were there color televisions at the time?). I have always been thoroughly fascinated with the universe and what lies beyond. Is the universe infinite?

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Delbert Landrum, Washington, D.C. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:01:59 GMT

I was teaching African freedom fighters English in Zambia at a remote campus in the bush. Many of my students thought that the report of the moon landing was a propaganda hoax and could not have happened.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bernadette — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:03:13 GMT

I was exactly one month old. I am pretty sure my mom and grandmother watched it on a small black and white.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dave — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:05:15 GMT

I was ten and in Atlantic City, parked very near the boardwalk, with my Father, and we were listening on the car radio. I remember Armstrong's words coming trhough the speaker as if they were spoken yesterday.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Charlie Edwards, RSM, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:05:32 GMT

July 20th, 1969, I was in Anaheim Stadium enjoying a doubleheader vs. the Oakland A's with some upstart named Reggie Jackson. During the game the fans began cheering and looking to the old Big A scoreboard I saw the computer image of the lunar module landing on the moon and the flag being stuck into the moon's surface.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Lee O, Tacoma, WA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:07:20 GMT

I was 29 years old, living in New Jersey with my husband and daughter, who would become one year old in less than a month. I was also mourning the death of my mother from the 23rd of the previous month. She was very excited about the space launching and possible landing on the moon, and I hoped she had lived to see it. It was very exciting, and I don't think anyone who witnessed it will ever forget it. I saved the LIFE magazine issue for my daughter who is about to turn 41. She still has it. What a day and what a memory! And what brave and courageous astronauts!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

John — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:08:15 GMT

Woopee - what have you done in the last 40 years. I have a phone that takes pictures.. I needed that but I cannot find a job since its made for $2 in a foreign country. The only jobs left are to join up with Disney and sell our children to dance and sing or play sports.. Be proud Joe Jackson you were ahead of your time... The smart people are investing in the other parts of the world.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

John Fitzgerald, Pontiac, Il — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:16:23 GMT

I was in the Army, stationed in Saigon. The moon landing was a large banner announcement at the top of the Saigon Post newspaper. The Vietnamese thought that it was quite a good ideal to claim to go to the moon, to freak the North Vietnamese out. Great Psychological warfare. When I told them that the US actually did go to the moon they wouldn't believe me. They thought it was as funny as me telling them everybody had a car.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ernie Geefay, El Dorado Hills, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:16:55 GMT

I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Bangkok Thailand. The day they landed on the moon I called the principal of my Thai school and asked if I could have the day off. He said No.
I remember the excitement and pride I felt.
At the time the war in Vietnam was going on. Young people were protesting in the streets.
It was a brief moment when all Americans could stand together and stand tall.
How amazing it was. Computers were unheard of back then yet NASA was able to achieve a feat that no one else has been able to duplicate to this day.
Government gets criticized for not being able to do anything right. But America showed that government, when focused on a goal can achieve a feat 40 ago that private enterprise is only starting to tackle today.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Nathan Nielsen, Spicer, Mn. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:19:15 GMT

I was 14 years old at that time and we were on a family vacation, camping, about 20 miles from home in West Central Minnesota. Dad and Mom had been following the story in the daily newspaper about the flight and as the spacecraft was getting closer to the moon Dad had decided that the time had come for our family to get a T.V.

Mom thought that an "idiot box" was about the last thing that any family would need, so there were some "frigid" looks around the camp that night.

Nonetheless, Dad prevailed, and the day of the landing we were loaded into the car and headed for Willmar. Off loaded everything and Dad disappeared to come back an hour later with a "used" 12" black and white T.V.

Watching that night I was surprised at how "snowy" it was on the moon, although none of it seemed to stick to the ground. Within a week I had discovered that it was in fact "snowy" anywhere a TV crew operated.

People can think what they will about the money spent on the space programs. I personally believe that they have been beneficial for mankind. At any rate, for one week in 1969, the world was pretty much united behind on ship and hoping that mankind would indeed walk on the moon.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mike Pafford — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:21:51 GMT

I had just turned 14 (June 21), living on a ranch in north central Florida when the Apollo 11 LEM crabbed slightly onto the surface. I don't remember it. I've always wanted to find out why not (always meant to ask my Mom about it; haven't yet). I think part of it was that it happened during school summer vacation. During the school year I think even in Palatka Central High School it would have been big enough to stop classes for. Probably why not any more people our age can recall the event well. Just so many other summer events in competition (tired after baling hay all day, etc.). Prior to going into First Grade my family lived on the Dudas Ranch near Cape Canaveral. I had a front row seat for countless rocket launches from there. Always have been a space fan, especially Mercury (wall-sized painting of John Glenn's mission in the Chow Hall on Security Hill at Misawa Air Base, Japan where I once lived and worked), Gemini (my favorite model building experience), and Apollo (leaning forward, staring, listening, and not breathing correctly during Apollo 13). Just wish I could remember 11's landing.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Christine Markley — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:26:37 GMT

It doesn't seem like it has been 40 years.... I was 14 years old then. I grew up in Melbourne, FL as my dad was an engineer with the Apollo space program. Just before each launch I could be found climbing a tall tree in our backyard so I could view the spaceshot across the Indian River. Sometimes my brother, Alan, would join me in the tree. We had a younger sister that was too small to climb trees. When the rocket would disappear from my sight I would run into the house and watch the rest of the coverage on tv.
Our family was huddled around the tv for the space walk. We were especially excited about this Apollo mission as my dad was a part of it all. And 11 months later my dad was laid off along with hundreds of others because the Apollo program was all but over. That was still the day when my dad was a part of a 4-person car pool.Those were the days when we didn't lock our front doors and the neighborhood kids all walked almost 2 miles to school without our parents worrying that we may get snatched from the side of the road.
My dad found employment in south Florida so we moved to the big city just before I started my sophomore year. I hated it.
I still long for the Melbourne of yesteryear. Those pre-Disney days and pre-video/internet days were great. It was a slower time so there was always more time to spend fishing with my dad. Mom prepared home-cooked meals every evening and we would sit down for dinner at 5:30. The neighborhood kids would get pick-up games of this ball or that. Sorry for the walk down memory lane but I can't help it.
(Here is a special hello to my dad's friends/co-workers, Mr Boska and Mr Craft.)

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Galley, Greenville, SC — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:34:03 GMT

I was 4-1/2 years old, and can remember watching it on TV with my parents, and other relatives.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Meredith Lamb — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:39:02 GMT

I was 12 years old, traveling with my family in our camper across North Dakota. We had come across the border at the International Peace Gardens earlier and were heading towards Minot. We would then head north back to Canada.

We had packed a small black and white battery powered television in anticipation of watching the moon landing from somewhere on our journey. We had had no luck in getting any channels even in the small towns we had camped in, never mind along a North Dakota highway.So our expectations of seeing the landing live were very low.

There were small roadside rest stops - a picnic table, garbage can and a tree, along this stretch of highway. My parents were monitoring the radio and when the moon landing was to occur, we pulled off at a rest stop. My dad set up the tv while we continually fiddled with the aerial. Finally a fuzzy transmission came in. We were huddled on this picnic table trying to make out the broadcast and running the radio at the same time so we knew what was going on. I remember other people pulling off the road to listen to the radio and my dad calling them over to see it on the television.

After the landing, we headed to Minot and searched for a motel with colour television. Luckily, we were able to find one. Later that day, we watched the moon landing in colour (although the broadcast from the moon was in black and white).

After all these years, I cannot remember anything else about that trip, except for that one day.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Sandi — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:40:01 GMT

I was 10-years-old and remember they landed earlier than expected (We were going to be woke up like X-mas eve). I still have the Polaroid pics of Walter Cronkite, Nixon...the whole thing that my father took of the TV set. Wonderful time!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

stephen, Fort Myers, Florida — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:40:03 GMT

Growing up in North Florida, I had met one astronaut (Stuart Roosa) so on that hot summer night the anticipation was high for a 10 year old. The space program was pretty terrific thing for a young boy to imagine. We watched that evening, our whole family and my parents made sure that all understood the history. I felt it. It was awe inspiring. About a week later Hurricane Camille struck Pas Christian, Mississippi. Walter Cronkite revealed the devastation with the same aplomb that he had shared this nation's most glorious moment in the last 50 years.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Tommy, Modesto CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:41:21 GMT

Do you really think anyone landed on the moon? If we don't have the technology now what makes you think we could have then? A cell phone has the computing power of a super computer back then. It was all a ploy to make the russians spend billions on something that we won't be able to do for another twenty years.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Tony Rutkowski — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:42:44 GMT

I was in the firing room as part of the Apollo Launch Team

Where were you when Apollo flew?

T. Stram — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:45:41 GMT

I was 22 years old, on managerial training with TWA at London Heathrow airpot. I heard it all on VHF, sitting in a B707 cockpit.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

tom weaver columbia pa — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:49:31 GMT

iwas in vietnam searving my country with the 128th assault helicopter co

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Walter Carr, Gainesville, Fl. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:49:44 GMT

Assigned to the U.S.A.S.A. Field Station at Herzogenaurach Germany, recently married and back from Vietnam, I watched the landing of Apollo 11 in the home of my German landlord & family.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

JDB, Encinitas, ca — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:56:37 GMT

I had returned from Vietnam,(corpsman, Marines), and going to school in LA. I was on a long summer road trip with a buddy. We were in a bar called the Brothers 3 or something like that in Boston. Amazing experience watching that TV. That was an excellent summer, 25, and footloose.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jerry Bockjmon, Farmington, NM — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:59:06 GMT

I was 27, in Farmington, NM watching the whole thing on TV, absolutely entranced. I remember thinking at the time that I was so proud to be an American and that we, as a nation, could do such astaounding things. Later that night, my back went out and I spent the next two days in traction at the local hospital, but that moon landing and its aftermath were front and center in my mind for a long time afterward. Nothing since has compared.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

T McCay, New Orleans, LA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:59:11 GMT

At the time of the Apollo mission, I was all of 6 months old. So I missed it. Sort of.

My father was so enthused by the occasion he took photographs of the television as well as some 8mm movie film. Surprisingly, he got the exposure right on both.

So when I was about 8 years old and able to comprehend the situation, he had me sit and watch his documentation of the lunar landing. I was amazed!

I had always loved science and the allure of outer space and seeing what now is clearly my father's desperate attempt to archive history was impressive to me. In later years, my school would take me to see the Apollo exhibition at the Smithsonian. I was blown away by the "jiffy pop" construction of the lunar landers.

Fast forward some 30+ years and now I am talking with people who are restoring the Ampex video and data recorders that archived this monumental event.

I suppose, even at the ripe old age of 6 months, I was impressed.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jim Knight Midlothian Va — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:01:16 GMT

I was a 24 year old sailor stationed on a ship moored at Cape Canaveral Florida. The morning of the launch I drove in from Cocoa Beach down route 1A lined with cars. When you made the turn to go out to the Cape cars were parked bumper to bumper all along both sides of the causeway. Because it was still kind of dark the Rocket and Pad were still lit up. Even to me it was an inspiring site to see. That morning I had the quarter deck watch when the launch occurred. I logged it in and I suppose somewhere (or maybe not) the logbook is sitting in a box. The ship was the USS Observation Island (EAG-154), its probably been cut up for razor blades. Long time ago.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Joe Magee, Westborough, MA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:06:47 GMT

I was with my friend Brian Sullivan sitting in the bleachers at Fenway Park. I had brought a transitor radio. As the landing craft approached the moon's surface I would give updates to the crowd. They would hush and listen to each update. Upon landing a huge roar went up in the bleachers. A few minutes latter the announcement was made over the PA system. The game was stopped and the National Anthem was played much to the delight of the crowd.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Fred Farkle, Palm Beach, Fl — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:09:48 GMT

I was in Kitty Hawk--at the place of flight--had been surfing on the Outer Banks and would remain--staying at the largesse of the Sheriff and Postmaster of Kitty Hawk (great guy) and was underage drinking w him Bourbon and Ginger Ale--and it was all...right...loved it all..from the birthplace of flight..later my cousin's husband set flight record in space for US and I got to watch him land at the Cape.....what a life...sure the name is a lie but the story is true

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ron , Auburn Hills, Mi — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:11:01 GMT

I was in Vietnam, but saw it on Armed Forces tv only a few hours after it happened

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jim G., Little Rock, Ark. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:11:15 GMT

I had just graduated from college and was living with my parents, sweating out the draft, sure I was going to wind up in a rice paddy in Vietnam. The moon landing took me - and countless others, I'm sure - away from real world worries and served as a reminder of what a great country this could be, after all.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Alan — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:12:07 GMT

I was 7 years old and I remember, living on Otis AF Base on cape Cod. I was in the living room building a space puzzle, while my parents and their friends were having coffee in the dining room I had the TV on and both build the puzzle and watching the TV hoping they would hurry up and show us the moon. I always watched anything on space that was on tv and this was a big thrill for a 7 year old kid. It was one of the biggest thing to see on TV back then and it brought allot of people together that day to watch something that was not just sports.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Wendy, Philadelphia, PA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:16:15 GMT

I was going to summer school before my last year in college. I stayed over at a friend's house, and we got up to watch the moon walk in the middle of the night. Was so hard to believe.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

joe elford, hacienda heights, ca — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:17:36 GMT

i was 9, in west palm beach fla., my grandparents lived in melbourne fla, close to cape kennedy, and we were fortunate enough to see a few appolo launches. we (five kids) were kept up late, sitting in orange bean bag chairs on a green shag carpet, i can see it as if it were yesterday

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Susan Hammerich Hasey — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:23:44 GMT

I was lying on the beach staring up at the moon with ten or twelve friends while we listened to music on the portable radio someone had remembered to bring along. It was a beautiful night, clear and the moon was brilliantly clear on the horizon of a glittering Long Island Sound. We talked about H.G. Wells, H.P. Lovecraft, JFK, and the usual stupid stuff that teenage boys and girls talk about. I don't even remember who was there, but that doesn't matter. We all knew how important that moment was - so uplifting after a decade of upheaval with more to come.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

ed bride phila penn — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:25:32 GMT

i think it was a mock up made in the desert.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Randi K — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:28:56 GMT

I was 9 years old. We stayed at my Grandparents' house for the summer waiting for our house to be ready. My parents let me stay up late to watch the broadcasts. It was the best part of that summer. It rained the whole month of August 1969 and my Grandma thought it was because the spacemen screwed up the tides!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Stefan — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:37:55 GMT

Please stop perpetuating this myth that Apollo 11 was the Apollo program! "Where were you when Apollo flew" - well between Fall 1968 and the Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975. I was growing up in my parents home. I was not born when the Apollo program began and I was 9 when it ended - no thanks to that good for nothing Richard Nixon.

The Apollo 11 flight was huge for accomplishing the landing, but it really did not have a goal other than landing. Put some attention on the incredible landings that followed and all the great science that was done on those flights as well. Please!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jaime — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:43:30 GMT

I was twenty years old started my frist job in Kansas City Mo. I was living at the YMCA when a freind asked me to come to the recreation room and watch the landing.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bill Musselwhite, Canton Georgia — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:54:08 GMT

I grew up about 60 miles from Cape Canaveral, later called Cape Kennedy. Because of the proximity and my enthusiasm, I had watched almost every single launch of a U.S. rocket from my back yard. In the early days NASA did not announce the launches ahead of time because of 'National Security' concerns. Our neighbor had a friend that was an engineer at 'The Cape', and he would give us a heads-up of what approximate time we might want to watch the sky. On a couple of occasions we had driven to their home in Cocoa Beach to watch up close. Every kid I knew was a huge fan of the space program and naturally wanted to be an austronaut, or at least help build rockets. By the time of the Apollo 11 mission, I had constructed a model of every rocket design ever built. Even a couple that were never launched. I was 12 years old.

During the summer of 1969 the nation experienced a level of enthusiasm that was contagious. I remember the horrible prior year, with the assasinations of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, the riots at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the Tet offensive in Vietnam; and the Watts riots (a suburb of L.A.) of 1965 still fresh in our minds. We all needed, no craved, something positive. The space program was it, and it brought the country together, giving us a reason to begin healing.

As before, I watched the launch of Apollo 11 from our back yard. I climbed onto the roof just moments prior to launch for a better view, with my Dad yelling at me to get down! Realizing my excitement he let it go. I simply could not be still. I felt all giddy inside, thinking "after this, what would be next"?.....then we began the wait for the actual trip from Earth to The Moon which took several days. By the time the Command Module reached the Moon the distance was such, about 250,000 miles, that the voice transmission took 1.5 seconds to travel each way! I finally had a scale to get some idea of what a light year really meant! In my excitement, I had forgotten that I was leaving for Boy Scout camp. Although only about 20 miles from home, Camp Flamming Arrow was about as rustic and remote a place as you could find in central Florida in those days. There were only a couple of buildings that even had electricity! What was I going to do? I briefly considered not going, then begged my Dad to come get me when they were going to land, so I would not miss it. He assured me everything would be fine, and to go have fun.

When we arrived at the camp everyone soon focused on the fun until the 'big day' of the landing arrived. That night word spread that a TV would be set up in a lodge and anyone that wanted could go watch it. Soon after dinner the place was packed. Hundreds of Scouts and their leaders, with one TV that I would estimate at about 19 inches. When the Lunar Excursion Module (L.E.M.) began to descend from the Command Module the whole room in Jenkins Lodge got very quiet. I remember them saying that the L.E.M. might run out of fuel, and not be able to lift the Astronauts back up to the Command Module. At the last second they found a spot and landed, and the whole place went wild. Then we began waiting for the Astronauts to step out onto the suface of the Moon. Minutes led to hours. I began thinking something must be wrong. Eventually, after dozing off several times, Neil Armstrong took that first step. I looked around, and there were only a handful of us left to see it. I remember stumbling back to my tent in the dark. The next thing I knew someone was pouring water on my feet to wake me up. Many of my fellow Scouts said that they did not believe I waited up to see it, because it did'nt happen until very late. I paid dearly due to fatigue for a couple of days, but would not have missed it for the world!

I still contemplate sometimes how charmed I am to have been alive during this time and to have grown up where I did. I have never lost my love for science, having spent my entire career as a scientist and engineer. I once got to meet Wally Schirra (one of 'The Magnificent Seven') and it made my day! I told him that I had watched him lift off from my back yard on every launch. He seemed to genuinely appreciate my enthusuasm. Thank you to Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, Edwin 'Buzz" Aldrin, all of the other Astronauts, Pilots and the thousands of engineers, scientists and technicians that made this boy's dream real!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Buck Weber — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:59:39 GMT

I was glued to our black and white Zenith from the time Apollo 11 launched to the splashdown. The night that Neil Armstrong took that first step I was home with my mother watching the moment. Like a lot of Americans, we were very proud of the accomplishment. But at the same time, we were both very sad. My father had worked at RAND (the government "think-tank") and had many dealings with NASA and other areospace companies involved during the "space race" against the Soviets. He did not have a chance to celebrate this achievement since he passed away suddenly in March 1969. That year marked two very important events in my life that were the cornerstone of my early steps into young adulthood.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Julie, Seattle, WA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:08:29 GMT

I was 5 years old. I watched the launch standing in a field a mile or more away from the launchstand with thousands of other NASA parents and children who didn't qualify for the VIP stands, but had managed to get "field seating." Got up before dawn to ride out to the field in a fleet of school buses, then stood there in the early morning heat and waited for it to take off. I still remember the sight, and the long delay between when the engines ignited and when the rumbling soundwave hit and the ground began to shake.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Tom Phillips, Salisbury, N. Carolina — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:12:36 GMT

I was 15 years old at the time and was a summer camp counselor away at camp. On the night that Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, we had the entire camp in the main lodge watching it from a 19" black & white television set full of snow as we were 80 miles from the closest TV station. It was one of those moments in history that I will never forget

Where were you when Apollo flew?

James Morris — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:21:02 GMT

My dad worked at Kennedy Space Center and I watched Apollo 11 lift off from the roof of our house. Dad had to work that day. I had seen everything lift off from Mercury to the Gemini program.

Seeing my dad worked at KSC he was able to get July 11th issued envelopes that were postmarked on the day of the launch. I still have it to this day as a memory of that day.

On the day of the landing on the moon I watched it on a little B & W tv at Boy Scout camp in central Florida. We all sat around that little tv watching in awe of what was going on. When they came back to earth I watched it on our color tv that my dad made and my brother and I helped build. Those were the days!!

I think the next year they had an open house at KSC and the Apollo 11 capsule was there and I got to stick my head inside it before it was sent to the Air and Space Museum for display.

It was the best time to grow up in and see all of the advances that were taking place.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

anthony ching, los angeles, CA — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:24:42 GMT

My mom, sister and I were visiting Disneyland for the first time and we watched Neil Armstrong walk on the moon. I was 14 years old and I knew I would never forget the moment!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Richard A. Ryals — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:45:58 GMT

I was on the beach in Titusville when the moon shot went up. I was there when the first shuttle went up, as well. I was a year old holding my mother's hand on Melbourne beach when the monkeys, then Alan Shepard, and finally John Glenn made history. I was there again holding my own kids hands when Glenn was reloaded with godspeed.

I was born the year that Sputnik was launched.

You name it, I was there... ;)

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ellen R. Baker, Sheridan, WY — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:48:47 GMT

I was a Trips Coordinator for very large Girl Scout Camp, Hidden Falls in the Pocono Mts. of PA. We had approximately 350 campers on site with about 75 staff members. We got all of the girls together with their sleeping bags, PJ's, and flashlights and told them we were going to have a camp slumber party in one of the dining halls. The staff stacked a bunch of tables in the center and we rounded up all of the TV's from the staff houses (all black & white)to place on the top of the heap. Then we served pop corn and "bug juice" (lemonaide) until the Appolo crew came down the ladder of the LEM. A cheer went up and quite a few of the girls rushed out into the adjacent meadow to look up at the moon. An of course the questions came, why can't we see them? What an event!
PS-The Woodstock Music festival was a short time later! What a summer.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Philip Roxas, Los Angeles CA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:02:53 GMT

Sorry,Cause, I was born on that day when the man worn to the moon, that's my mom says.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Roy Rogers — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:03:48 GMT

I was sitting it a cowboy bar listening to the locals say it was a trick and that no one had actually done it..

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Paul Schwartz, Rolling Hills Estates, CA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:18:10 GMT

I remember helping my father to set up the tripod and 35mm camera in front of the TV so that we could take pictures of the scenes coming back from the moon. Then we were so involved in watching the activity on the TV, we almost forgot to take our 35mm pictures. We also took some 8mm movie pictures, but they did not turn out very well. I remember it as a very exciting day.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Pat O'Connell, Albuquerque NM — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:32:52 GMT

I was 18 years old, a student at Purdue University. and Neil Armstrong, a Purdue engineer was going to be the first man on the moon. I watched the landing on my parents' black and white TV. I thought at the time that Moon landings for science and perhaps other reasons would be commonplace in a decade or so, but that hasn't been the case. I still can't catch a shuttle to the Moon as speculated in the 1969 movie "2001--A Space Odyssey."

Several months after the landing, Armstrong was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Engineering by Purdue, and I attended that ceremony.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Carl, Napa, CA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:33:20 GMT

I was 11 years old, my birthday being the 21st- felt like this was a birthday present. Set the alarm for around 4 a.m., I believe, to watch the landing with my parents on a B/W set. I even took a picture of the set which I still have on slide-film to this day.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

David Cowley — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:37:34 GMT

I was putting myself through college as a tour bus driver in Yellowstone Park. On July 20th, I was driving a tour group through the northern part of the Park. As beautiful and awe-inspiring as Yellowstone is, there was at least as much talk about the impending moon landing as there was about Dunraven Pass and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
But there was some consternation about missing the big event. We were in the middle of a wilderness -- TV reception was almost impossible and even receiving a radio broadcast was chancy. As we approached the Lake Hotel at the end of our day of touring, I announced to my passengers that, after dinner, I'd have the bus outside the hotel in the parking lot with the radio on. We might not get the broadcast, but we'd try.
To my surprise, nearly half my tour group returned to the bus after dinner in the hope that they'd be able to share in the astronaut's historic moment.
Yes, we heard it. It was often unintelligible, usually scratchy, filled with static. But at last came the words, "...Eagle has landed."
I'm sure I wasn't the only man grateful for the darkness. As a cheer filled the bus, tears filled my eyes...for the men who went to the moon and the nation that sent them.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Sonshine, Minnesota — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:44:46 GMT

I was a 23 year old living in my own apartment w/no tv (couldn't afford one) trying to find a job and make it on my own. I do remember though sitting at my school desk as a sophmore in high school in 1962 watching the tv mezmerized by the first Mercury mission of sending a manned space capsule into space and orbit around the earth. I also remember a few years later going to an AFLCIO trade show when I was still a teen and seeing the Gemini (I think) space capsule.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Marilynn Langley; W. Medford, MA. — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:50:46 GMT

My family & I were gathered around the TV in Detroit, MI, absolutely astonished at what we were seeing. Even more so, my Dad suddenly laughed and pointed at my daughter who was 9 months old: She was taking her first step--on Earth! She'll be 41 in October and still making us laugh!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

MARK BRETSCHNEIDER — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:53:09 GMT

THAT DAY I WAS IN-BETWEEEN MY JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL YEARS, READY FOR ONE MORE YEAR AS A CHILD, THEN AS AN ADULT IN COLLEGE. I REMEMBER WATCHING ON TV WITH MY PARENTS AND THINKING WHAT A TREMEDOUS ACHEIVEMENT FOR A MAN ( AND MANKIND TO BORROW THE PHRASE) AND WHAT MIGHT BE IN STORE FOR ME, WHAT WOULD I DO WITH MY LIFE, I REALIZED THAT MOST LIKELY NOTHING AS FAMOUS OR AS NOTED, BUT AT LEAST TO DO THE BEST A MAN CAN DO, AND ADD A POSITIVE TO HUMANITY, EVEN IN JUST A SMALL WAY.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Edward Harding, Washington, N.C. — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:58:14 GMT

I'm from North Carolina and was 16 years old at the time. I'd always had a huge interest in the space race from an early age and was always fascinated by the X-15 flights, the Mercury and Gemini programs, and finally the Apollo program which was the one that would ultimately get us to the moon. During the summer of 1969, I was away from home on a group tour traveling through Western Europe. We'd had a long day traveling by bus and upon our arrival at our hotel in St. Cerque, Switzerland, people came to greet us like we had really done something special. It was at that moment we learned our astronauts had safely landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong had just stepped out of the LEM. Once we got inside the hotel, television sets were in the lobby broadcasting the fuzzy video being sent back to earth from the moon and everyone was totally spellbound. To this day I still have the copies of newspapers and magazines I bought in Paris, London, and other cities that tell of this historic endeavor.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Rob, Erie, PA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:05:17 GMT

I was 9 years old and our family was vising Cape Canaveral. As we toured the grounds the bus had its radio turned to the feed from the landing. It was wild knowing that the men landing on the moon had left from right where we were just a few days before.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

ellen douglas, ca — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:08:42 GMT

I was a 13-year-old kid and in Moscow with my parents. It was one of the first years that they allowed US tourists. I was totally SHOCKED when we were in the lobby of a bank in Moscow and the TV was on and they were showing video of the first man on the moon. I remember thinking it was so cool that I could understand what the astronauts were saying under the Russian translation of the newcasters. I was so proud of being an American and amazed at what we accomplished.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mike Liskowitz — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:09:46 GMT

I was ten years old and driving back from Atlantic City after a full day on the Steel Pier watching the
diving horse and seeing The Cowsils in person. Along with my cousins and my uncle, we listened on the car radio to the live coverage of the first landing on the moon. We still remind each other were
we were that day.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ken, Callawassie Island, SC — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:18:14 GMT

My wife was in the delivey room with our first child.
Back then fathers waited...in the waiting room?
Anyhow, she went into serious labor, then noticed that there was no one around, and had to scream a bit, as they were all watching the moon landing!
Landing and delivery went fine, our son has a memorable birthday! Happy Birthday Corey Ken

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Billy Walik — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:18:32 GMT

Newport RI, for the whatever festival Jazz/Folk don't remember(surprised??). I was 22ish at the time: right place and surely right time! I've said many times since that weekend, that the men involved in the Apollo moonlanding, were very brave men. But alas not as brave as the fellow who stole my friend Ronny Benneveto's TR3, while he was fast asleep (in his sleeping bag) under the car. FYI Mr Benneveto is still looking for you. Billy Walik Bainbridge IS. WA

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Lynne, Hyde Park, NY — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:21:21 GMT

I was about to turn 9 years old, and remember the historic TV broadcast like it was yesterday. My Dad had purchased our first color TV a week or so before so we'd have the best possible TV to watch the moon landing. I remember it was getting late but there was no way I was going to sleep. When the broadcast finally came from the moon it was upside down, in blurry black and white. I had to stand on my head, on our sofa in our family room, and was in absolute awe watching the broadcast. I clearly remember my Mom telling me I was witnessing history and I'd remember this forever... she was right!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Curtis Clark, New Carlisle, Ohio — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:25:49 GMT

The first memory I have of the Apollo 11 Moonshot is of Walter Cronkite, on the day of the launch. While Walter was filling time making commentary, the cameraman was scanning the crowd and stopped on a young couple heavily "making out". Not missing a beat, Cronkite remarked: "Well...I guess they're going for a Moonshot of their own...heh, heh". (Even as a 10-year old I knew what he meant!) Later, on the evening of the landing, I was alternating between the black and white TV in our living room and our front yard, where my friends and I were trying to see the landing through a toy telescope--and lying to each other by saying we could see little white specks on the moon. (When I met Neil Armstrong 35 years later, I told him about my friends and I trying to see him in our telescope that evening in 1969, whereupon he asked me: "Well, did you see me waving back at you?")

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Nathan Meyers, Woburn, MA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:49:46 GMT

I was 11 years old, enjoying summer camp in California's Santa Cruz mountains. The camp usually shut out the outside world, but this was too important to miss. The camp director pulled a couple of televisions out of hiding and set them up in the main meeting hall. While the dining hall delayed dinner, hundreds of campers sat and stared and waited. It was a long wait for that first step, but nobody left the room... we weren't going to miss history. Then it finally happened: Neil Armstrong spoke his famous words and took a few steps... and hundreds of hungry campers tore out of the building, stormed the dining hall, and sat down to a cold dinner.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Rob Schorry, Cincinnati, Ohio — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:56:13 GMT

I was 14 and witnessed the landing and EVA through our RCA black and white TV in our living with my mom, dad, and grandma. We watched Walter Cronkite and his side-kick Arthur C. Clarke on CBS. That night the Moon bacame a place; one that men from Earth, Americans all, had walked upon. A defining moment in my life.

Through the flight of Apollo 11, and all the rest, I acted out the flight phases using my trusty Revell model Apollo spacecraft. That model, sadly battered, is stored in the basement, awaiting a restoration some day.

I am a child of the Space Age and the Space Race led me to be an engineer. The company I work for built many machine tools that helped make modern flight possible, and that also put humans onto Luna. Every major aircraft, missile, or rocket has had parts made on our machines. Although I didn't start there until 1982, I like to think that I help to keep 'carrying the fire.' Go Apollo!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Denis Nosbisch, Salem, Oregon — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:07:32 GMT

I was an Army Specialist Fifth Class, assigned to a special testing and evaluation unit. I was standing guard duty that night, guarding some sensitive electronic equipment, listening to the landing on a small portable radio and staring up at the moon in the clear desert sky.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Phil D., Portland, OR — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:11:21 GMT

I was 6 for the first moon landing, and regrettably I do not remember it specifically. I do remember schools having black-and-white TVs on for what must have been later moon missions, and it was an exciting time that riveted the whole country. It is rare nowadays to see that kind of connection for the entire nation, esp. in a positive way. The closest parallel I can think of for bonding this nation is a negative one, 9/11. It was a wonderful time of optimism, of believing anything was possible if you put your mind to it.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Steve Whigham, GA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:20:53 GMT

A date I will never forget. I was a young marine seving with 3rd Recon in Viet Nam. Why does it stand out in my memory? It was my 19th birthday, I had just received a Dear John letter from my girlfirend, my best friend was killed in action, I was wounded and was medevac out to a Navy ship (LPH-10) and got chewed out by a Navy commander when I was not interested by a moon landing. Not a memorable day that I enjoyed.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

jim duncan — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:28:12 GMT

Forty Years - Over the Hill?

My hometown is Daytona Beach, Florida, about 60 miles north of Cape Kennedy. I worked for Federal Electric Corporation, at the Cape, during the summer of 1969.

I had joined the US Navy in 1963, and served four years as a CTM (Communications Technician Maintenance.) My primary reason for joining, along with being a proud American and son of a Navy WWII veteran, was to learn electronics, because I had a dream to go into missionary radio, and build a radio station on an island, in a river, in the southern part of Africa. I had just finished my first year in a missionary Bible college, and was home for the summer looking for a summer job.

I had joined the Navy on the Buddy Plan with my high school buddy, Bill, who had also been a CT, and had gotten a job with Federal Electric, a NASA contractor, at the Cape. He told me they were needing more technicians, and that I should apply. My response was that I couldn't, in good conscience, apply for a permanent job, when I only wanted to work for the summer.

After praying about it, however, I felt that God was directing me to apply for the job, making a permanent commitment, and to trust Him. I did so, and had the most incredible job of my life.

I was a member of the Timing and Countdown crew, and was responsible for doing final checks on equipment that was installed in virtually every corner of the Cape. The job was like a paid vacation, as most of our days consisted in "touring" the Cape, checking out all the Timing and Countdown equipment for Apollo 11, which to me, is still the greatest accomplishment in space exploration.

I honestly don't remember where I was when the Eagle landed. What I remember most was the launch. On launch day, for some reason which I can't remember, I was assigned to be in the VIP room. The only VIP that I remember seeing was Vice President Agnew, who, along with his entourage, walked right past where I was standing. During the launch itself I was as close as anyone could get, except the rescue team - an unforgettable experience.

But what about missionary training? After Apollo 11 NASA began drastically cutting back the program. In August, Federal Electric, along with other contractors, handed out hundreds of pink slips. I was likely the only guy on the Cape who was praising God for one of those dreaded things. On the very day that I wanted to give them a two week notice, they gave me one, and I was able to return to college, having had an unbelievable "summer job."

Federal Electric had planned ahead and bid on the contract for the DEW line (Defense Early Warning) in the Arctic Circle. On the day they handed out the layoff notices they were signing guys up like crazy to go from sunny Florida to the North Pole.

Many years later, my wife, Jenny, and I founded a nonprofit organization, Eagles' Wings Ministries, about 30 miles north of the Cape, which we ran for several years - before moving the ministry overseas. In 2001 our "eagle" landed in Boston Village, Belize, where, after nearly 40 years, we did build a missionary radio station.- which we continue to operate, along with a private Christian school for rural Belizean kids. When we study the moon landing in science class they find it hard to believe that their teacher and principal was actually "an indispensable member of the Apollo 11 team." (At least that's what our certificates said.)

My buddy, Bill, went from FEC to the CBS television station in Orlando, where he just retired after nearly 40 years. I'll close my journey down memory lane with one more "40 year" remembrance - the words of a song that I wrote to celebrate Bill's 40th birthday (20 some years ago.)- reminiscing about the good ole days of the "Buddy Plan," which lasted only three months - just long enough to get through boot camp.

"Over the Hill"

I'd like to tell you a line
About a buddy of mine,
And it started back in '63.

We done had our education,
And our high school graduation,
And we was wond'rin' what we wanted to be.

So, kinda on a lark,
We took a shot in the dark,
And we figgered if a man's a man,

Why he oughta join the service.
You know, we wasn't even nervous
When we signed up for the "buddy plan."

We headed over the hill,
Over hill, over dale.
We headed over the hill.
You can forward our mail.

It was me and ole Bill,
With a few years to kill,
Headin' over the hill.

Oh, everything was really groovy,
As we watched the airline movie.
We were off to see the world at last.

Till we reached our destination.
Then we ceased all our elation,
When we realized that the good times were past.

Someone started shoutin' orders,
And they marched us to our quarters;
And it wasn't long till we'd had our fill.

There were those that couldn't "hack it."
They decided they would "pack it,"
And soon, they headed over the hill.

Headin' over the hill
In an old Beatle wig;
Headin' over the hill,
And endin' up in the brig;

Leavin' me and ole Bill
With some more jobs to fill;
Headin' over the hill.

Well, we fulfilled our patriotic,
Though we wound up some neurotic,
And we said goodbye to old Uncle Sam.

Oh, there was no tearful grievin';
We was glad to be a leavin'
The dear Navy, and its grand "Buddy Scam."

Many years have now departed
Since that grand adventure started,
And through the years our friendship sure has grown.

But alas 'tis sad to say it,
This last song I now must play it.
Poor ole Bill will have to go it on - alone.

He's goin' over the hill.
'Tis a sad tale to tell.
He's goin' over the hill,
But I'm a wishin' him well;

Cause I'm holdin' the line,
Here at thirty and nine,
But not poor ole Bill.
Bill's gone "over the hill."

I sent Bill an e-mail a couple days ago, congratulating him on his 40 years service, and his retirement - but letting him know I was still "holdin' the line here at "thirty and nine."

Is Apollo 11, at 40, finally "over the hill?" I don't think so. To me, it still stands as the greatest achievement ("giant leap") of modern man. So I guess it's still "holdin' the line, here at thirty and nine."

The next generation of astronauts plan to go - from the moon - to Mars. I still plan to take the next generation of missionaries - from Belize - to an island in Africa.

Jim Duncan
Boston Village, Belize

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Vickie Gibson, South West, FL — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:31:22 GMT

I was 14 and sitting on the floor in the living room of my grandmother’s house. My father was 38 and he was on the sofa, my grandmother was 59 and she was popping in and out of the kitchen until we screamed at her to hurry up “IT” was about to happen. But what I remember most was my great grandfather, he was 84, and had his failing eyes glued to the television; I remember there were actually tears in them, I’d never seen that before.

I remember afterwards he said that he had come to Indiana in a wagon, pulled by oxen, with his parents who had immigrated from Germany a few years before. I remember how proud he was that day.

It was a good day.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ernie Siegrist, Davie, Florida — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:34:32 GMT

I had just reported to my next military assignment at the United States Military Academy, West Point. We were still unpacking boxes from our move from Ft Ord California. Fortunately our Muntz TV with rabbit ears was working...to some degree. West Point is ring by some mountains and if you weren't close to the Hudson River...reception wasn't all that good. Of course the whole family and the whole block in our housing area spent the evening outside...looking at the moon and wondering what was going to happen next. We lived in a historic place on that historic day.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Michael. Pittsburgh, PA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:48:12 GMT

I was about 8 years old and I was living in Sicily at that time. Was late at night and I supposed to be in bed. I sneaked under the dining room table and the images of the apollo landing will be forever with me!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

lms, chicago illinois — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:53:27 GMT

Chicago Illinois: I was 10 years old that summer,and we'd watched pretty much any Apollo launches and touchdowns as they happened on tv. This time it was the same thing. The day of the scheduled landing, I remember spending much of the day riding my way cool purple and white banana bike all over the neighborhood-- streets and alleys and prairies, with my sister, my brother and various pals. I would also stop in at home periodically to check in to see what was going on, if it was time yet. When it finally got down to 'business' I stayed in, laying on the floor; most of the family was in the living room watching the tv. I remember it took a while, the actual touchdown; then getting that hatch open, not realizing all the checks they had to do before coming out. I remember looking at the moon differently after that -- as if you could see the lunar module from all that way. I have looked at it differently ever since. A treasured gift is my fabulous telescope,meant to look at the moon and various other fun celestial things. Watched Star Trek because of the space program. A few years ago I had the good fortune to meet and spend a little time chatting with Captain Jim Lovell -- how fun was that! I felt priveleged to have been able to watch, on a simple black and white television, the progress of the Mercury and the Apollo programs. Space IS the final frontier ... and because it's infinite, the frontier will never be truly 'final'!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Jeffrey Wilson — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:57:22 GMT

I was eight years old at the time, and I thought it was the greatest thing I'd ever seen on television or anywhere else. Forty years later, it's still the greatest thing I've ever seen, on television or anywhere else.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Peter Kelsey, Cambridge, MASS — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:59:54 GMT

I was 24 years old, attending a Sports Car Club of America race at War Bonnet Raceway in Oklahoma. Only club racers, their pit crews, family and friends, were there. A race was stopped so all could watch that magical "small step"--probably 200 people straining to see a small tv run on a portable generator. And such a cheer went up when we heard those famous words. A day we all felt especially proud to be American. I'll never forget it.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mike, New York — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:05:12 GMT

I was waiting all my life since JFK's speech to see Armstrong on the Moon and just before his Small Step that was a Giant Leap for Mankind, my brothers shut off the TV set to punish me for caring about this once in a lifetime event. By the time I was able to turn on the set, I had missed it. Obviously, not everyone cares about the Space Program and thinks that the Met's Miracle and Woodstock were the most important events of 1969.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Kelly Walters, Fort Wayne IN — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:09:08 GMT

I was five years old at the time and woke up with a stomach virus. I remember throwing up than staggering out into the living room where my parents were watching the walk on tv. I watched for awhile although I didn't really understand what was going on. I probably only remember it because of throwing up!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Steven Shropshire, Indiantown, Florida — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:10:40 GMT

I was 5 years old when apollo launched for the moon. I was living in northwest Georgia watching on tv. I thought it is cool. Now I live in Florida about 2 hours from Cape Kennedy where historic apollo liftoff ocurred.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bill Walker, San Marcos, CA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:24:27 GMT

I was a California 11-year-old visiting my grandparents in a suburb of Chicago. We were all glued to the TV. I was all about astronauts and space as a kid, which either contributed to my becoming an engineer, or was an indication of the predilection to do so.

Thanks to my late mother, I still have my obligatory "moon landing" poster.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

J Cesena — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:37:29 GMT

I was stationed in Athens, Greece (U.S.A.F.) I watched the walk on the moon as I stood on sidewalk in front of appliance store t.v. Many Athenians watched too and shouted praise to them, slapped me on the back (they realized I was an American.) I was very proud at that moment (as I always am) to be an American.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Sara, Chicago, IL — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:44:31 GMT

I was in the Navy, stationed at the Navy Photo Center in Anacostia, DC. It is now the Navy Media Center. Pres. Nixon gave all of us the day off to watch the moon landing, so I went out to Clifton, Virginia, to watch the event with the family of a friend of mine, as I had no TV in my apartment. Sandy's husband made some popcorn and we sat around that old black and white 24" TV screen, watching that weak, snowy transmittal from the moon, and wondering what would happen next.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mark, Oxnard, CA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:52:43 GMT

A car load of Boy Scouts in Mr. Chapman's 1964 Chevrolet Station Wagon, headed from Unicoi State Park in the mountains of North Georgia back to Atlanta.

We spent three weeks at Boy Scout Camp and were headed home. Mr Chapman, one of our Scout Masters, had the moon landing going full blast on the Chevy's AM radio. Even though there were 8 scouts in the car you could have heard a pin drop, except for the broadcast of the moon landing.

I didn't think much about it at the time, but now I realize what a wonderous period it was in our nation's history. Ironically, man was landing on the moon and we were still listening to an AM radio.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

KAC, CA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:28:38 GMT

5 years old watching all of it I could. My dad worked at Cal-Tech at the time and was as interested as you could get. A few years later I built all the Estes Apollo rocket models and flew them...

Forward 30 years. I have a sales job with an aerospace firm in Calif. Checking parts, I found several in our system that are 1960's vintage. Walk out on the floor, into storage and hold some of the same locknuts from the same batch that went to the moon. Got a couple stashed away..

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Miriam Raftery — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:30:27 GMT

I was home watching our old black and white TV with my Dad, the Convair aerospace engineer who designed the trajectory (flight path) for the first manned space flight with John Glenn. Dad was so looking forward to seeing the fruits of his labors by seeing Neil Armstrong walk on the moon! Unfortunately, he had a car for sale, and a buyer came to the door moments before the historic moon walk, so Dad missed the whole thing.

Dad died last year, but his legacy will be with us forever.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Andy, San Jose, California — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:31:33 GMT

My 8th grade year! After watching the landing on the TV at home for the 4th time. I decided to check on my friend Joe to see what he thought about it. In the evening at about 8:30 I walked the 5 five blocks to his grandmother house. He was practicing his drumming on his rubber pad. We were going to be in the school band and then on to rock and roll. That was the plan. After banging on the back door, he let me in to the house and then to his room. We both were excited about the moon walk and all the "you know NASA had already pick the site" then wonder who did and how did THEY know it would be a good site unless someone had gone there before and checked it out? After about 10 minutes the conversation turned to what we were going to do after our last year at Jr. high. Which Joe replied, go to high school, get into a sport, graduate. Then Vietnam.
That summer night we talked about what we will become in the future if the rock band didn't work out. Work for NASA! Oh wow! that would be so cool.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Dan Overholser, Longmont, CO — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:48:54 GMT

I was a college student and had a summer job in a small remote town in Wyoming. Four of us rented a motel room that night because it had a TV. The black and white picture was grainy and fuzzy. But we watched the landing with much amazement. We talked about it for days afterwards. This was truely a great moment in our history.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Will Davis, Sunnyvale, California — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:57:20 GMT

On my 11th birthday, July 20, 1969, I was watching the news with both eyes glued to that old black and white RCA TV set. When it was broadcast that the first step was taken, I went outside, and there the moon was in the sky. It sent chills in my spine knowing that people were up there as I was watching. That was an exciting birthday gift! Apollo 11 on my 11th! Thank You NASA!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Michael Long, Palm Springs CA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:00:05 GMT

I was in Vietnam on that day. Special Ops unit. Getting ready to go out and do some bad things that nite... We had no idea about the moon landing until we got back about a week later. And at that time we really didn't care.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

George Photias M.D. Las Vegas, NV — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:17:10 GMT

I had reported as a Naval medical officer for active duty to the MCB 29 Palms CA a few days previously awaiting base housing assignment for our family. Temporary housing in a local motel for a week was necessary coinciding with Apollo 11 landing on the moon. A desert thunderstorm took out the TV signal for about 10 minutes prior to landing but the grainy black and white video returned just in time for the landing of the Eagle and Neil Armstrong's one small step for man! The timing could not have been better and our cheering and celebrating woke up our 6 and 7 year old daughters who were then glued to the TV for the historic moon walk. It just doesn't seem that long ago that we celebrated the American spirit and determination with pride and were honored to have such an introduction to my active duty.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Roy Sandy, OR. — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:25:41 GMT

My charter customers and I were sitting in the Portland (PDX)lounge area watching black and white tv during the first part of their walk on the moon and then we flew home to eastern oregon on a very black night to land at a very dark desert strip. Thinking back on things--the moon trip was probably a safer trip. That moon flight and my night flight will be etched in my mind forever.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

beloved — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:30:26 GMT

Milking cows at 6:30 You are wrong. Try 2 hours or more early and then again. You will find out what is real work,,,,,

[ALAN ADDS: Ha, I won't argue with you on that ... no matter how tough your job is, someone else has had a tougher job, and that definitely sounds tougher. But I will say I've shoveled my fair share of cow and pig manure in my day. (Some would say I'm still shoveling it. ;-) ]

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Clint Germany — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:38:48 GMT

We were living near Nashua NH at the time. I remember sitting on the floor with my brother and sister glued to our black and white TV. It was a totally amazing experience. One that started my absolute fascination of space travel.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Bill B — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:55:58 GMT

As a fourteen year old in San Jose Ca. ,watching TV with the seemingly endless video simulations, it overwelmingly boring. I can still hear Walter Chronkite's voice though. Who remembers "Iron" Mike Collins, the guy that didn't get to do the moon walk?

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Lupe Milwaukee, WI — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:56:23 GMT

I was a 21 yr old Sergeant in the Marine Corps, having been "home" from Viet Nam for 6 mos, walking into the NCO club at Mainside Camp Pendelton as Appolo was landing

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Keelaay — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:56:34 GMT

A wonderful moment in history. The United States and mankind at its best.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

steve, Portland, Oregon — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:35:00 GMT

I remember we went down to JC Penny's and bought a new TV for the launch very exciting time, it was a color television, It didn't matter that the images from the moon were in blk/wht. My dad had worked on the Atlas rocket program he was so proud of the landing he took pictures of the images from the moon with his camera. What an amazing time.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ham White, Longmont, CO — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:35:38 GMT

I was hosting a Zen retreat. But that was in a past lifetime, so it's a little hazy.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Mario Rossi, Seattle, WA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:46:05 GMT

I was at school (elementary). Unfortunately, it was not an acceptable excuse to not going to school. Watched the movie and photos later many times.
I decided that I was going to either be a pilot or an engineer because of that. Unfortunately could not be a pilot because of my eyesight but got my Mechanical Engineering BS degree. :-)

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Stefan Carmien (1969 in LA - 2009 live in San Sebastian Spain) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:42:14 GMT

I was living in Venice california, on my own at 17. I was walking into my friends parents den when I saw the langding on the TV, at the time I was tripping on a large dose of LSD and the sound on the TV was turned off and the Who's Tommy was playing very loudly. I was transfixed by what I saw as I was so 'dropped out' that I did not realize that the moon landing was that day. The image of that moment is so clear and so evocative of that time in my life.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Skipper from Boston — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:42:22 GMT

We were all 16/17 yr olds and had all just gotten buzzed on reefer to watch the spectacle!
Of course, we had a huge laugh when Nixon got on the phone. We could imagine it going like this...
"Hello, this is Dick Nixon , get me the moon ".

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Erin, Dallas, TX — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:14:47 GMT

I was only 19 months old and have no memory of this, however, my mother made sure I was sitting with her in front of the TV. This is one of the few events that really emphasizes the age difference (7 years) between me and my husband because he remembers it and I don't. But I was still watching!

Where were you when Apollo flew?

KHan Md Ashraf, Chennai (Madras), India — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:43:15 GMT

I was 13 yrs old and 4 days old that day back in '69. We did not have television in most of India back then. So I can't remember clearly what I did that particular day. But my father was a subscriber to Life and Time magazine. And I used to pour over the two magazines especially for news and pictures of the space program. Also I was following the US space program for a few years thru these two magazines. I was quite familiar with the US space effort through these magazines. My interest in science and technology (though I never got a degree in either or them) made me a dreamer of a 'better' tomorrow for people around the world. Of course all this was tempered by the war in Vietnam. I consider the moon landing as one of the most significant achievements of science and technology. We are were we are today because of that pioneering effort. Thank you to all those who made it happen.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Phill, San Diego, CA — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:54:19 GMT

Why does no one remember the first pictures from Apollo 11 just before Neil Armstrong stepped out were UPSIDE DOWN? I remember Walter Cronkite saying something to the effect of "And 200 million people are standing on their heads..." I was in my parent's living room in a suburb west of Portland OR, 10 years old at the time.

The picture was righted before Armstrong popped the hatch, but I do remember that comment to this day. We could send a man to the moon, but we couldn't figure out which way was up.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Ehud Neor, Nitzan, Israel — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:35:08 GMT

My father had planned to take us and any of my friends who wanted to stuff themselves into our Ford Country Sedan station wagon to the Cape to see the liftoff. This was no small thing; we lived on Martha's Vineyard. We had done a trial run before. He had taken the family to Florida for the launch of Apollo 8. My friends and I fed off that adventure for about five months until my 13th birthday party, when my father announced that my present was to be a trip to see the Apollo 11 launch. Then he said: "and your friends can come too."
We were packed and ready to go a week before the launch when the dreaded State Trooper "Red" Kennedy caught my father speeding out by the airport. Even after hearing about the planned trip, he refused to let him off and suspended his license. My father being my father, he did the only logical thing to try to save something out of a bad situation. That's how we became the first family in our neighborhood with a color TV. It's true, color tv wasn't going to be much help with the black and white transmission from the moon but still, it was a color tv. On the night of the walk there were about 10 of us in sleeping bags on the floor, cracking jokes, passing gas, giggling uncontrollably. Our eyes were glued to the tube, and we were well aware that something momentous was about to happen, but we were also aware of something else. We had a "feeling" you might say, that there would be a bonus to all this. And bonus there was, seconds before Armstrong bounced himself off the ladder, we heard my father pronounce from the back of the living room: "The Dawn Of Civilization." And that was it. With mighty heroics we managed to hold back for about, say, 10 microseconds, and then we lost it.
We were watching all the time, and somewhere deep inside beyond the wall of breathless endless laughter we knew that we were witnessing an unparalleled adventure.
I like to think that somehow, along with the endless stream of engineer talk that was sent up to those heroes, something of our "talk" was sent up to them too: the silliness and dreams of youths about to become men.

Where were you when Apollo flew?

Chet Twarog, Brunswick, ME — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:19:30 GMT

A 19 year old Air Force SRA stationed at Ft Campbell AAF, KY, watching the b/w tv by myself with Neil and Buzz.
We had the means but politically and socially failed our advantage to colonize, industrialize, and tourize Luna.