[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE APOLLO 11 MOON LANDING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 1999

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, July 20th marks the 30th anniversary of 
Apollo 11's landing on the moon. This historic achievement was born of 
the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. 
President Kennedy saw the moon race as a means of demonstrating 
American technological superiority at a time when the Soviets were 
garnering all of the ``firsts'' in space exploration. It was a bold 
initiative that required the skills and teamwork of tens of thousands 
of people if it was to succeed. It is to their everlasting credit that 
the Apollo program succeeded beyond all expectations.
  Astronauts Neil Armstrong, ``Buzz'' Aldrin, and Michael Collins were 
the emissaries of all of those hardworking Americans when they set off 
for the moon three decades ago. Yet when Neil Armstrong stepped foot on 
the Moon for the first time, he represented more than just America--he 
represented all of humanity. His footsteps marked the realization of a 
dream that had captivated the minds of countless generations through 
the ages.
  In addition, Apollo was an undertaking that stimulated advances in 
science and technology. It inspired a generation of students to pursue 
education in math and science. And the images that the Apollo 
astronauts took of the bluish-white Earth floating in the black void of 
space profoundly changed our perspective on global concerns such as the 
environment.
  Of course, the Apollo program was a unique undertaking that cannot be 
replicated. Indeed, the Cold War that spawned Apollo is over, and we 
now are cooperating rather than competing in space exploration with our 
former adversaries. Moreover, many of our space activities are now 
focused on directly benefiting our citizens here on Earth--whether 
through meteorological satellites, communications satellites, 
navigation satellites, and so forth.
  Yet I am confident that one day we will return to the moon, as well 
as venture to other parts of our solar system. When we do, we will be 
in the debt of all those who blazed the trail for us thirty years ago 
with the Apollo program.

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