” I think we’re going to the Moon because it’s in the nature of the human being to face challenges. It’s by the nature of deep inner soul. We’re required todo these things just as salmon swim upstream”
Neil Armstrong
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the successful Apollo 11 moon landing is important to reflect on this amazing accomplishment. Interesting enough as Mr. Neil Armstrong step off the Apollo Lunar module “Eagle” the last one step was the shortest one of the ladder, yet this small step was one giant leap for all humanity. While Mr. Armstrong could have claim he was the first man to step on a planet other than Earth, he was a humble man. He did not want to take credit for the mission of for its accomplishment and he wanted to include all humanity in such special moment. He is quoted saying “Hey, I am just a boy from Ohio and I’m just following the procedures I’ve been told to follow. This isn’t about me, but this larger effort, this Apollo program, is about all of us, and we have done something significant, today”
Just 66 years before the Wright brothers had made history and change what was possible, they actually created the first sustainable and controlled flight, it is indeed amazing to think how much humankind advanced in such short time.
While many of us might never actually go to the Moon or Mars, the fact remains that we can all take small steps towards improving humankind. It could be something small like planting a tree, a tree can outlive us and continue to give fresh air, shade and decorate our planet long after we are gone, or it might be recycling the can of soda and keeping harmful metals from the ocean, it might be even so easy as to refuse a straw at a restaurant and instead use a reusable straw. At the end of the day we can all take actions that can make this planet better and it can help our country, our communities and our families.
Herbert Meléndez 