Wednesday, April 28, 2021

The White House Remembers an Apollo 11 Hero...

Columbia command module pilot Michael Collins takes a break from his Apollo 11 mission training at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida...on June 19, 1969.
AP Photo / File

Statement of President Joe Biden on the Passing of Michael Collins (Press Release)

Michael Collins lived a life of service to our country. From his time in the Air Force, to his career with NASA, to his service at the State Department, to his leadership of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum; Michael Collins both wrote and helped tell the story of our nation’s remarkable accomplishments in space.

Many remember him as the astronaut who was by himself, orbiting the Moon as Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong walked on the lunar surface. He may not have received equal glory, but he was an equal partner, reminding our nation about the importance of collaboration in service of great goals. From his vantage point high above the Earth, he reminded us of the fragility of our own planet, and called on us to care for it like the treasure it is.

Although, in his life of accomplishment, he earned many titles and achieved the rank of general, he demanded that everyone call him, simply, Mike.

Our prayers are with General Collins’ family. Godspeed, Mike.

Source: WhiteHouse.gov

****

A snapshot of the Eagle lunar module's ascent stage--with fellow Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin onboard--taken by Michael Collins in the Columbia command module as he was about to reunite with his crew members in lunar orbit...on July 21, 1969.
NASA - Michael Collins

No comments:

Post a Comment