[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 23, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H7224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          THE LEGACY OF APOLLO

  (Mr. BAIRD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BAIRD. Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the 50th 
anniversary of Apollo 11 and the triumph of the human spirit. On July 
16, 1969, three Americans boarded a rocket at Kennedy Space Center on 
Merritt Island, Florida. When they lifted off a few hours later with a 
flight path toward the unthinkable, humanity was changed forever. 
Millions of men, women, and children were inspired watching the 
extraordinary events unfold over the next 4 days as humanity took these 
first steps on the Moon.
  Fellow Purdue University alumnus Neil Armstrong's words: ``That is 
one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind'' will forever 
define that moment in history. The successful journey to the Moon 
brought with it a tremendous sense of triumph and pride. Our Nation 
found a bold, common goal that we reached through American ingenuity 
and determination.
  This is the spirit that carries us forward in exploration and 
innovation today. Right now we are looking at returning to the Moon 
within the next 5 years and eventually landing on Mars. Madam Speaker, 
what has been previously unheard of is now being thrust into the scope 
of reality.
  It is our responsibility to keep taking giant leaps to challenge what 
is perceived as impossible, and I look forward to the next chapter of 
American space exploration.

                          ____________________