Today is a sad day for America. U.S. Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man walk on the moon, has died at the age of 82.
Armstrong died following complications from heart-bypass surgery he underwent earlier this month, the family said in a statement, just two days after his birthday on August 5.
As commander of the Apollo 11 mission, Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969. As he stepped on the dusty surface, Armstrong said:
“That’s one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Those words endure as one of the best known quotes in the English language.
When he was asked to describe what it was like to stand on the moon, he said,
“It’s an interesting place to be. I recommend it.”
The family made their loss known today. In a statement the family said, “We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away. Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.”
“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,” the family said.
The family expressed their hope that young people all over the world would be inspired by Armstrong and his accomplishments.
He is survived by two sons, a stepson and stepdaughter, 10 grandchildren, a brother and a sister.
