South Africa honours Neil Armstrong

In memory of Neil Armstrong, who passed away earlier this week, the American flags at all US government facilities in South Africa are being flown at half-staff  today.

The American astronaut became iconic for being the first man to walk on the moon. He commanded the Apollo 11 spacecraft that landed on the moon on July 20, 1969 and has been best remembered by saying “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

It is fitting that the reluctant American hero who always “believed he was just doing his job” is being buried today in a private service, on the day of a rare ‘blue moon’. Tonight, there are sure to be thousands of people winking at the moon and remembering the man who never lost his boyhood wonder of exploration and aviation.

In later life, Armstrong found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati, according to a family statement.

Armstrong died at the age of 82 following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures. He was said to undergo a heart-bypass surgery earlier this month to relieve blocked coronary arteries.

“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.”
Statement from Neil Armstrong’s family

The flying of the flags at half-staff today was ordered by American President Barack Obama. The President proclaimed:

“As a mark of respect for the memory of Neil Armstrong, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day.

“I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”
President Barack Obama

Armstrong and his fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin spent two and a half hours walking on the moon, collecting samples, conducting experiments and taking photographs, while astronaut Michael Collins remained in orbit in the command module.

– SAnews.gov.za, Neil Armstrong’s Family’s Statement, sapeople Contributor