Armstrong exploring the surface of the moon in a photo taken by fellow astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin. (Via NASA)
Neil Armstrong, the commander of the Apollo 11 mission and the first person to step foot on the moon, has died at age 82 following complications from cardiovascular surgery.
In a statement, President Obama said Armstrong was “among the greatest of American heroes—not just of his time, but of all time. And when Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten.”
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden echoed the president’s sentiments.
“Besides being one of America’s greatest explorers, Neil carried himself with a grace and humility that was an example to us all,” Bolden offered in a statement. “As we enter this next era of space exploration, we do so standing on the shoulders of Neil Armstrong. We mourn the passing of a friend, fellow astronaut and true American hero.”
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, told reporters in New Hampshire that Armstrong served with “courage unmeasured and unbounded love for his country.”
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Full text of President Obama’s statement on the death of Neil Armstrong:
Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Neil Armstrong.
Neil was among the greatest of American heroes—not just of his time, but of all time. When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation. They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable—that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. And when Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten.
Today, Neil’s spirit of discovery lives on in all the men and women who have devoted their lives to exploring the unknown – including those who are ensuring that we reach higher and go further in space. That legacy will endure—sparked by a man who taught us the enormous power of one small step.
Mitt Romney:
Neil Armstrong today takes his place in the hall of heroes. With courage unmeasured and unbounded love for his country, he walked where man had never walked before. The moon will miss its first son of earth. I met and spoke with Neil Armstrong just a few weeks ago-his passion for space, science and discovery, and his devotion to America will inspire me through my lifetime.
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden:
On behalf of the entire NASA family, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Carol and the rest of Armstrong family on the passing of Neil Armstrong. As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind’s first small step on a world beyond our own.
Besides being one of America’s greatest explorers, Neil carried himself with a grace and humility that was an example to us all. When President Kennedy challenged the nation to send a human to the moon, Neil Armstrong accepted without reservation.
As we enter this next era of space exploration, we do so standing on the shoulders of Neil Armstrong. We mourn the passing of a friend, fellow astronaut and true American hero.
