Comments on: SPECIAL POST: Where Were You During the Flight of Apollo 11? Remember and Share - http://blogontheuniverse.org/2009/06/26/special-post-where-were-you-during-the-flight-of-apollo-11-remember-and-share/ getting anyone emotional about science, helping parents and teachers make science an adventure Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:54:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.4 By: Jim Oglesby http://blogontheuniverse.org/2009/06/26/special-post-where-were-you-during-the-flight-of-apollo-11-remember-and-share/comment-page-1/#comment-350 Jim Oglesby Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:13:22 +0000 http://blogontheuniverse.org/?p=3245#comment-350 During the Apollo Program and Apollo 11, I worked for Bendix launch support and observed an ET ship and its crew come and go to the Cape during Key Apollo Programs. During the Apollo Program and Apollo 11, I worked for Bendix launch support and observed an ET ship and its crew come and go to the Cape during Key Apollo Programs.

]]> By: Suzy Quaggin http://blogontheuniverse.org/2009/06/26/special-post-where-were-you-during-the-flight-of-apollo-11-remember-and-share/comment-page-1/#comment-99 Suzy Quaggin Tue, 21 Jul 2009 07:07:25 +0000 http://blogontheuniverse.org/?p=3245#comment-99 Where Were You During the Flight of Apollo 11? I grew up in Florida and rocket launches were a big deal in our family. When we weren't physically at the Cape we would sometimes climb up on the roof of our house to catch a glimpse of the rockets in flight, it was pretty cool! Dad was a Professional Parade Float Decorator in Florida and was invited to decorate for special events and parades around the U.S. and the America's. We loved it when dad was called for an event in or near the Cape. Dad had a special pass for the Cape Canaveral (then known as Cape Kennedy) Apollo 11 event. I remember Vice President Spiro Agnew and dignitaries from all over the world and lots of photographers, it was fun! We were located close to the launch in a secured area. It was crazy with excitement and people running all over the place! I remember little gift bags filled with cheese snacks and memorabilia were given to the guests sitting in the bleachers - mainly high profile visitors and dignitaries. I was a little girl and they didn’t pay any attention to me or my brother. I did get one of the gift bags and felt like a princess eating exotic cheese from other countries. Our family celebrated my brother's birthday the day before and dad kept saying "Remember kids this is a spectacular event in history!" - "Man is going to the moon!" We brought along our small camper and had a black and white TV. Once Apollo 11 was out of site dad turned on our small TV. People gathered around our camper for another view. I've been searching for people photographs online, wondering if maybe a photographer snapped a picture of us that day. Email: peacewealthy at gmail dot com. Where Were You During the Flight of Apollo 11?

I grew up in Florida and rocket launches were a big deal in our family. When we weren’t physically at the Cape we would sometimes climb up on the roof of our house to catch a glimpse of the rockets in flight, it was pretty cool! Dad was a Professional Parade Float Decorator in Florida and was invited to decorate for special events and parades around the U.S. and the America’s. We loved it when dad was called for an event in or near the Cape. Dad had a special pass for the Cape Canaveral (then known as Cape Kennedy) Apollo 11 event. I remember Vice President Spiro Agnew and dignitaries from all over the world and lots of photographers, it was fun! We were located close to the launch in a secured area. It was crazy with excitement and people running all over the place! I remember little gift bags filled with cheese snacks and memorabilia were given to the guests sitting in the bleachers – mainly high profile visitors and dignitaries. I was a little girl and they didn’t pay any attention to me or my brother. I did get one of the gift bags and felt like a princess eating exotic cheese from other countries. Our family celebrated my brother’s birthday the day before and dad kept saying “Remember kids this is a spectacular event in history!” – “Man is going to the moon!” We brought along our small camper and had a black and white TV. Once Apollo 11 was out of site dad turned on our small TV. People gathered around our camper for another view. I’ve been searching for people photographs online, wondering if maybe
a photographer snapped a picture of us that day. Email: peacewealthy at gmail dot com.

]]> By: Drew Roman http://blogontheuniverse.org/2009/06/26/special-post-where-were-you-during-the-flight-of-apollo-11-remember-and-share/comment-page-1/#comment-98 Drew Roman Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:48:18 +0000 http://blogontheuniverse.org/?p=3245#comment-98 I was born a year and a half after Apollo 11 and way too young to remember any of the later moon missions. But I do distinctly remember the feeling that looking at the pictures and reading about the missions gave me as a child, the two words that come to mind are excitement and inspiration. I've always wondered, if we're capable of something like going to the moon, what *aren't* we capable of? I was born a year and a half after Apollo 11 and way too young to remember any of the later moon missions. But I do distinctly remember the feeling that looking at the pictures and reading about the missions gave me as a child, the two words that come to mind are excitement and inspiration.

I’ve always wondered, if we’re capable of something like going to the moon, what *aren’t* we capable of?

]]> By: Ted Magnuson http://blogontheuniverse.org/2009/06/26/special-post-where-were-you-during-the-flight-of-apollo-11-remember-and-share/comment-page-1/#comment-95 Ted Magnuson Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:07:09 +0000 http://blogontheuniverse.org/?p=3245#comment-95 At age 18 at the time, I was very moved by the moon landings. It was like seeing history books come alive- 'The Age of Discovery.' Indeed, my first novel 'The Moses Probe' is themed on the challenges and triumphs of a journey through space, albeit in the year 2112, destination-the 'center of the universe.' At age 18 at the time, I was very moved by the moon landings. It was like seeing history books come alive- ‘The Age of Discovery.’ Indeed, my first novel ‘The Moses Probe’ is themed on the challenges and triumphs of a journey through space, albeit in the year 2112, destination-the ‘center of the universe.’

]]> By: Ed Willoughby http://blogontheuniverse.org/2009/06/26/special-post-where-were-you-during-the-flight-of-apollo-11-remember-and-share/comment-page-1/#comment-94 Ed Willoughby Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:41:35 +0000 http://blogontheuniverse.org/?p=3245#comment-94 On July 20th, 1969 I was 31 years of age. I was working for McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri. Prior to that I was working for Douglas Aircraft Company in Sacramento, California as a structural-mechanical drafter. I had worked on the Saturn V, S-IV-B, third-stage, with a restartable engine. I was with the ground support group who responsible for all of the lifting, moving, installing in the test stands for testing. The R & D phase of the S-IV-B was a passion with me. I experienced opportunities that would not have been possible for a high school dropout. Why, I even had the opportunity to work with Dr. Warner Von Braun. On July 20th, 1969, my wife at that time, and I found ourselves in a campground just outside of St. Louis, at a location called O’Fallon, Missouri. I remember the place well, Diemen’s Camp and Fishing Ponds. We had a very small, battery-packed TV that was placed on the picnic table. It was on all day as we were so concerned about the astronauts and their safety that we wanted to be posted and up-to-date on all of the activities. Together we prayed for their safety and success of the mission. We were so proud when we heard Neil Armstrong utter those unforgettable words, “Houston, Tranquility Base. The Eagle has landed.” We sobbed. We were so elated, that our team was successful in this National endeavor. I was never so proud to be part of the American Experience as I was then, that evening. Today, I am almost 71 years of age. On Monday we will celebrate 40 years since the landing of the Eagle. As I write this comment, as well as when I think of the accomplishments of those days, a tear still comes to my eyes. I think back at what we as a team, country, were able to accomplish when we had a common goal. I think of how great our country is, I think of all the things that we use today that were a direct result of our team’s accomplishments in the space program. Just think, before Saturn V, there was no such thing as ‘Velcro’. Take computers, the onboard computers could not do what this p.c. can do and they were so massive! Anyway, I salute our astronauts, our engineers and all of those who still have a dream. America, keep on dreaming, with our dreams we have no future. I just thank God that He allowed me to be born here in these United States. I pray, God bless America again. On July 20th, 1969 I was 31 years of age. I was working for McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri. Prior to that I was working for Douglas Aircraft Company in Sacramento, California as a structural-mechanical drafter. I had worked on the Saturn V, S-IV-B, third-stage, with a restartable engine. I was with the ground support group who responsible for all of the lifting, moving, installing in the test stands for testing. The R & D phase of the S-IV-B was a passion with me. I experienced opportunities that would not have been possible for a high school dropout. Why, I even had the opportunity to work with Dr. Warner Von Braun.

On July 20th, 1969, my wife at that time, and I found ourselves in a campground just outside of St. Louis, at a location called O’Fallon, Missouri. I remember the place well, Diemen’s Camp and Fishing Ponds. We had a very small, battery-packed TV that was placed on the picnic table. It was on all day as we were so concerned about the astronauts and their safety that we wanted to be posted and up-to-date on all of the activities. Together we prayed for their safety and success of the mission. We were so proud when we heard Neil Armstrong utter those unforgettable words, “Houston, Tranquility Base. The Eagle has landed.” We sobbed. We were so elated, that our team was successful in this National endeavor. I was never so proud to be part of the American Experience as I was then, that evening.

Today, I am almost 71 years of age. On Monday we will celebrate 40 years since the landing of the Eagle. As I write this comment, as well as when I think of the accomplishments of those days, a tear still comes to my eyes. I think back at what we as a team, country, were able to accomplish when we had a common goal. I think of how great our country is, I think of all the things that we use today that were a direct result of our team’s accomplishments in the space program. Just think, before Saturn V, there was no such thing as ‘Velcro’. Take computers, the onboard computers could not do what this p.c. can do and they were so massive!

Anyway, I salute our astronauts, our engineers and all of those who still have a dream. America, keep on dreaming, with our dreams we have no future. I just thank God that He allowed me to be born here in these United States. I pray, God bless America again.

]]> By: Tony Goodrich http://blogontheuniverse.org/2009/06/26/special-post-where-were-you-during-the-flight-of-apollo-11-remember-and-share/comment-page-1/#comment-90 Tony Goodrich Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:34:12 +0000 http://blogontheuniverse.org/?p=3245#comment-90 I was 19 year old Marine Lance Corporal humping the Que Sons mountains with Mike Co. 3rd Bn 5th Marines in Quang Nam province, Vietnam. One of the radiomen in our platoon got word from our regimental HQ that an American had stepped onto the lunar landscape. I remember thinking, "I wish I was there and not here." Not too much celebrating or reflection on that great achievement as we were more worried about our next contact with the enemy. Did not even see the actual film of the moon landing until 1995. Has it really been 40 years? Amazing! I was 19 year old Marine Lance Corporal humping the Que Sons mountains with Mike Co. 3rd Bn 5th Marines in Quang Nam province, Vietnam. One of the radiomen in our platoon got word from our regimental HQ that an American had stepped onto the lunar landscape. I remember thinking, “I wish I was there and not here.” Not too much celebrating or reflection on that great achievement as we were more worried about our next contact with the enemy. Did not even see the actual film of the moon landing until 1995. Has it really been 40 years? Amazing!

]]> By: Pamela Toole http://blogontheuniverse.org/2009/06/26/special-post-where-were-you-during-the-flight-of-apollo-11-remember-and-share/comment-page-1/#comment-88 Pamela Toole Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:26:23 +0000 http://blogontheuniverse.org/?p=3245#comment-88 I was seven. My brother and some neighborhood friends were invited to drive to Florida and watch the launch from the beach. The rest of us watched it at home on our black and white tv. I remember the days spent watching and waiting and then, the landing and the walk on the moon. And the flag, It seemed so appropriate then, a re-enactment of Iwogima. Today, how silly...what nation can lay claim to the moon? At seven, it was all momentous, such a forgotten fabric of my life. I was seven. My brother and some neighborhood friends were invited to drive to Florida and watch the launch from the beach. The rest of us watched it at home on our black and white tv. I remember the days spent watching and waiting and then, the landing and the walk on the moon. And the flag, It seemed so appropriate then, a re-enactment of Iwogima. Today, how silly…what nation can lay claim to the moon? At seven, it was all momentous, such a forgotten fabric of my life.

]]> By: Erin Degutis http://blogontheuniverse.org/2009/06/26/special-post-where-were-you-during-the-flight-of-apollo-11-remember-and-share/comment-page-1/#comment-83 Erin Degutis Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:42:54 +0000 http://blogontheuniverse.org/?p=3245#comment-83 I was born the morning of the Apollo 11 launch (July 16). An interesting family story - my mom was in active labor, and my dad was there for my mom and at the same time trying to keep tabs on the launch because he had worked on Apollo projects while at Douglas (McDonnell Douglas). My arrival gave new meaning to the term "moonchild". =) I was born the morning of the Apollo 11 launch (July 16). An interesting family story – my mom was in active labor, and my dad was there for my mom and at the same time trying to keep tabs on the launch because he had worked on Apollo projects while at Douglas (McDonnell Douglas). My arrival gave new meaning to the term “moonchild”. =)

]]> By: Tim Gaffney http://blogontheuniverse.org/2009/06/26/special-post-where-were-you-during-the-flight-of-apollo-11-remember-and-share/comment-page-1/#comment-82 Tim Gaffney Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:41:59 +0000 http://blogontheuniverse.org/?p=3245#comment-82 For me, the most thrilling moment in the history of spaceflight was hearing on TV the words, "Houston, Tranquility Base. The Eagle has landed." As an aviation writer and author, I've had the good fortune to meet or talk to many of the people in the Apollo program, including several of the 12 who walked on the moon. GRANDPA TAKES ME TO THE MOON ( http://www.timothyrgaffney.com/books/moon/moon.html ) was a picture book I wrote after introducing my daughter to Apollo 15 Commander James Irwin. Next month, 12 Apollo astronauts will be here in Dayton, Ohio, for the National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies. ( http://www.nationalaviation.org ) For me, the most thrilling moment in the history of spaceflight was hearing on TV the words, “Houston, Tranquility Base. The Eagle has landed.” As an aviation writer and author, I’ve had the good fortune to meet or talk to many of the people in the Apollo program, including several of the 12 who walked on the moon. GRANDPA TAKES ME TO THE MOON ( http://www.timothyrgaffney.com/books/moon/moon.html ) was a picture book I wrote after introducing my daughter to Apollo 15 Commander James Irwin.
Next month, 12 Apollo astronauts will be here in Dayton, Ohio, for the National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies. ( http://www.nationalaviation.org )

]]> By: Nancy.Rowland http://blogontheuniverse.org/2009/06/26/special-post-where-were-you-during-the-flight-of-apollo-11-remember-and-share/comment-page-1/#comment-81 Nancy.Rowland Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:16:25 +0000 http://blogontheuniverse.org/?p=3245#comment-81 In 1969 I was 5 years old, not old enough to remember maybe but I do. I was living in Cape Canaveral, Florida better known as Cape Kennedy. My father was an engineer working for NASA. We lived in an apartment complex near the space center. Many families lived there. That day we all went up to a sun deck to watch the lift off. I remember the glow as Apollo 11 took off but we saw many take offs - this one was different. The adults were excited. I remember clearly and vividly i remember. My father is no longer with us but that time in our lives was very important and so are the memories. My children and my brothers' children have all been told the stories of their grandfather - one of the many horned rimmed glasses in the control room at NASA. We are very proud. In 1969 I was 5 years old, not old enough to remember maybe but I do. I was living in Cape Canaveral, Florida better known as Cape Kennedy. My father was an engineer working for NASA. We lived in an apartment complex near the space center. Many families lived there. That day we all went up to a sun deck to watch the lift off. I remember the glow as Apollo 11 took off but we saw many take offs – this one was different. The adults were excited. I remember clearly and vividly i remember. My father is no longer with us but that time in our lives was very important and so are the memories. My children and my brothers’ children have all been told the stories of their grandfather – one of the many horned rimmed glasses in the control room at NASA. We are very proud.

]]>