via NY Times:
On July 20, 1969, Mr. Armstrong and his co-pilot, Col. Edwin E. Aldrin Jr.,
known as Buzz, steered their lunar landing craft, Eagle, to a level,
rock-strewn plain near the southwestern shore of the Sea of
Tranquillity. It was touch and go the last minute or two, with computer
alarms sounding and fuel running low. But they made it.
“Houston, Tranquillity Base here,” Mr. Armstrong radioed to mission control. “The Eagle has landed.”
A few hours later, there was Mr. Armstrong bundled in a white spacesuit
and helmet on the ladder of the landing craft. Planting his feet on the
lunar surface, he said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap
for mankind.” (His words would become the subject of a minor historical
debate, as to whether he said “man” or an indistinct “a man.”)
Mr. Armstrong and Colonel Aldrin left a plaque on the Moon that read:
“Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon. July 1969
A.D. We came in peace for all mankind.”
After leaving the space program, Mr. Armstrong was careful to do nothing
to tarnish that image or achievement. In the biography “First Man,” Dr. James R. Hansen noted, “Everyone gives Neil the
greatest credit for not trying to take advantage of his fame, not like
other astronauts have done.” To which Janet Armstrong responded: “Yes,
but look what it’s done to him inside. He feels guilty that he got all
the acclaim for an effort of tens of thousands of people.” Then she
added: “He’s certainly led an interesting life. But he took it too
seriously to heart.”
Charles F. Bolden Jr., the current NASA
administrator, said, “As long as there are history books, Neil
Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankind’s
first small step on a world beyond our own.”
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"We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.
Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati.
He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.
As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life.
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."
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