July 20 will go down as a dark day in our country’s history. But particularly in the midst of trying times, it’s important to remember the qualities that make America exceptional. This country has achieved so much in its relatively short life, and America’s leadership in space exploration is perhaps one of our greatest accomplishments. 43 years ago today, the Apollo 11 lunar module landed on the moon and inspired the world.
Twitterers came together to commemorate the momentous event:
Today in 1969, humans walked on the moon for the first time. An Apollo 11 photo essay: http://t.co/G9H7U3hK
— Alexis C. Madrigal (@alexismadrigal) July 20, 2012
On this day in 1969, we landed on the moon. No matter how impossible a dream may seem, always remember that the sky is no longer the limit.
— David Copperfield (@D_Copperfield) July 20, 2012
43 yrs ago today…footprints on the moon! A planet's gratitude goes to Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Mike Collins & all the ppl of Apolllo.
— Carolyn Porco (@carolynporco) July 20, 2012
Today, 43 years ago, two men landed on the Moon in a piece of tinfoil with a computer less powerful than an Atari 2600. Remember.
— Dennis Detwiller (@drgonzo123) July 20, 2012
Two days before the Apollo 11 moon landing, President Nixon had a speech prepared in case the mission was a disaster.
— Trivia Hive (@TriviaHive) July 20, 2012
43 years ago today a bunch of summer campers was called to the mess hall to watch the moon landing & we thought the future would be amazing
— David Corn (@DavidCornDC) July 20, 2012
Man stepped foot on the #moon for the first time 43 years ago today. I believe it remains the most remarkable image ever on live TV. #cnn
— Gary Tuchman (@GaryTuchmanCNN) July 20, 2012
43 years ago we put humans on the Moon, and in two weeks we'll put a rover on Mars. When we reach, we are still at our best.
— Phil Plait (@BadAstronomer) July 20, 2012
43 years ago today Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon, I was 6, it changed my life forever, my inspiration
— Mike Massimino (@Astro_Mike) July 20, 2012
While we are capable of taking ourselves down, we also have the ability to better ourselves and triumph over adversity.
It's the anniversary of the first moon walk. I know today is bad, and people are capable of terrible things, but we're also capable of that.
— Caitlin Kittredge (@caitkitt) July 20, 2012
43 years ago, the Apollo 11 lunar module touched down on the moon. Humanity, despite it all, we really do have our moments.
— Jay Rachel Edidin (@RaeBeta) July 20, 2012
Remember during today's awfulness that 43 years ago we walked on the moon. So despite the bad in the world, we can accomplish greatness.
— Happy Andy Boyle (@andymboyle) July 20, 2012
News out of Colorado is grim, but today's also the anniversary of the first moon landing. Take heart, humanity can do amazing things, too.
— John Ryan (@John_J_Ryan) July 20, 2012
Indeed.
