US astronaut Neil Armstrong dies, first man on Moon

 

Neil Armstrong became the first man on the Moon on 20 July 1969

 

US astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the Moon, has died at the age of 82, US media report.

 

Earlier this month he had surgery to relieve blocked coronary arteries.

 

He walked on the Moon on 20 July 1969, famously describing the event as "one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind".

 

Last November Armstrong, along with three other astronauts, received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest US civilian award.

 

He was the commander of the Apollo 11 spacecraft. He and fellow astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin spent nearly three hours walking on the moon.

 

A statement from Armstrong's family says he died following complications resulting from his heart surgery.

 

Armstrong took his first flight aged six with his father, and formed a lifelong passion for flying.

 

He flew Navy fighter jets during the Korean War in the 1950s, before joining the US space programme in 1962.

 

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Statement from the Family of Neil Armstrong

 

Saturday, August 25, 2012

 

“We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.

 

“Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

 

“Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati.

 

“He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.

 

“As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life.

 

“While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.

 

“For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”

 

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Was stunned when I saw this on the news. What an iconic figure.

 

Rest in Peace Neil Armstrong.

May he rest in peace. We will miss him dearly. :(

Rest in Peace. He was a spectacular person. :sad:

:sad:

His accomplishment will be forver in history, rest in peace :(

RIP

 

Do you think they should send the ashes up into space?

RIP He won't ever be forgotten.

This is really sad news.

A lot of people seem to be acting like he went to the moon single handedly, which is nowhere near true...a hero in some ways but still very much just a guy doing his job.