50 years later, it’s time for another ‘giant leap’ for mankind
On Saturday, America celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing.
That achievement captivated the world, including millions of Americans who watched history unfold before their eyes. “For one brief moment, all the people of the world were truly one,” Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday at the Kennedy Space Center.
Watch: Vice President celebrates Moon landing with Apollo 11 astronauts
“All at once, the nation held its breath — as through the crackling broadcast we listened to, we heard Neil Armstrong use those immortal words: ‘That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,’” the Vice President said from Apollo 11’s launch site.
“In that moment, the men of Apollo 11 did more than help expand our understanding of Creation, and they did more than win the Space Race. They brought together our nation.”
The Apollo 11 mission ignited enthusiasm across America for space exploration—a flame that unfortunately waned over time. It’s been more than 48 years since an American walked on the Moon. The National Space Council, disbanded in 1993, lay dormant for nearly a quarter of a century before President Donald J. Trump resurrected it.
Americans are looking to the stars once again. President Trump has committed to putting Americans back on the Moon by 2024. The United States will seek to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon by 2028, and then chart a path forward for the exploration of Mars from there.
“The next man—and the first woman—on the Moon will be American astronauts,” the Vice President said on Saturday. “We’re going back.”
50 Years After Walking on the Moon, It’s Time for Another ‘Giant Leap’
Vice President Pence: We’re Heading Back to the Moon and Then on to Mars |
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