Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 607, Celebrating the Fortieth Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. The Resolution was sponsored by Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) and cosponsored by Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Olson (R-TX), Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ). The Resolution honors the brave crew of Apollo 11 - Neil Armstrong, ‘‘Buzz’’ Aldrin, and Michael Collins - along with all of the individuals and organizations who contributed to the achievement. Ranking Members Hall and Olson made the following statements:
Rep. Hall:
“The Apollo 11 Moon landing was the culmination of years’ worth of experience, and the combined efforts of tens of thousands of engineers, scientists, and other devoted individuals and organizations that were committed to accomplishing the task that had been set upon them eight years before.
“This successful landing was one of the most significant and important events of the twentieth century. It inspired an entire generation to strive towards great accomplishments in space, as well as on Earth. It resulted in the greatest increases in science and engineering enrollments at our colleges and universities. It continues to inspire new generations as we prepare to journey back to the moon and beyond, to other destinations in our solar system.
“Today as we celebrate the Apollo 11 mission and reflect on the future of our space program, we should reexamine the lessons learned from Apollo. America’s economic, educational, and technological strength can benefit from a clear, challenging, and inspirational goal for human space exploration. It will take national leadership at all levels, and we need to adequately fund the endeavor. If we succeed we will continue to lead the world in science and engineering enrollments at our colleges and universities, and our technology and industry will continue to be the envy of the world.”
Rep. Olson:
“That which comprises the best of our nation is represented in our space program and the landing of Apollo 11 on the moon represented the uniquely American understanding that we can achieve great things. That single achievement moved a nation forward and established the U.S. as a global leader. One single moment in humanity that is deeply etched in the hearts and minds of all us and reminds us that our best days are yet to come. That is what the anniversary means to me and I proudly join with my colleagues in honoring everyone who contributed to Apollo 11, both in space and on the ground.”
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