[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 101 (Tuesday, July 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         APOLLO 11 ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2004

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 35th anniversary 
of the Apollo 11 moon landing. When NASA created the Apollo program in 
the early 60's, America was in the midst of the Cold War and the Soviet 
Union had put an astronaut into orbit. A mere eight years after Kennedy 
expressed the vision of landing an American on the Moon and returning 
him safely to Earth, our country launched Apollo 11, which carried 
three men: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins into outer 
space. It was an enormously successful mission that proved America's 
leadership, technological strength, and drive. It proved that our great 
Nation could take on even the most daunting challenge if it had the 
will to do so.
  The Apollo 11 mission captured our imagination and inspired 
generations of young men and women to reach toward the stars. The next 
three and a half decades witnessed enormous technological and 
biological advancements fostered by the space program. The experiments 
conducted on the International Space Station allow scientists to 
discover new tools and medicines to combat debilitating diseases like 
stroke, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
  Today, we remember the men and women of NASA who made the dream of 
landing a man on the Moon a reality. We also celebrate our Nation's 
continuing quest to explore the universe and push new frontiers of 
knowledge. On January 14, 2004, we were pointed toward a new Vision for 
Space Exploration and a renewed commitment to the American dream of 
reaching for new frontiers. For the first time in over 40 years, our 
Nation once again has a Vision. We owe it to future generations of 
Americans and the men and women who have kept the space mission alive 
for decades to continue to forge ahead. Congress should approve the 
President's modest request for an increase in NASA funds this year so 
that we can continue this journey, secure our national interest, and 
fulfill America's destiny in space.

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