[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16988]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



          THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE APOLLO 11 LUNAR LANDING

  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today in support of the resolution 
that I offered yesterday with Senator Sessions and many of my 
colleagues which recognizes the 30th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Lunar 
Landing.
  Mr. President, for thousands of years, men looked to the sky and were 
fascinated by the moon. To our forefathers it was a source of wonder, 
hope, curiosity and fear. Near enough to draw their attention, yet so 
far beyond their reach to remain a constant mystery, the moon was an 
unattainable destination for the people of earth.
  Undaunted by the significance of the task, President Kennedy called 
upon our nation ``to commit itself to achieving the goal . . . of 
landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth.'' With 
this challenge, a goal that had previously exceeded the grasp of every 
generation, became the mission of the United States to achieve within 
ten years.
  Facing this great endeavor, the men and women of the American Space 
Program set to work with steadfast conviction. While their efforts 
produced steady results, there were tragic losses and technical 
setbacks that tested their resolve. Brave men gave their lives. 
Brilliant men and women spent countless hours trying to work through 
the numerous difficulties associated with such a complex undertaking. 
However, all remained dedicated to the goal of landing a man on the 
moon.
  On July 20, 1969, 30 years ago yesterday, that goal was achieved. On 
that day, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin closed the timeless breach 
that had separated the earth from the moon and landed on the Sea of 
Tranquility. With Neil Armstrong's first step on the lunar surface, the 
American Space Program met the awesome challenge set by President 
Kennedy. This important event marks America's ascendance to the 
preeminent role that it occupies today as the world's leader in space 
exploration.
  While yesterday was an important anniversary for all the people of 
the world, it was especially important for the people of the United 
States. Landing men on the moon represents a great triumph of American 
endeavor. As the Spanish could be proud for having built the great 
ships that carried Columbus on his voyage of discovery, American 
scientists and engineers can feel equally proud for having built the 
Saturn V Rocket, the vehicle that carried the astronauts to the moon. 
That no other nation has produced a similar vehicle is a testament to 
the unparalleled achievement of our Space Program.
  This resolution celebrates the anniversary of the great achievement 
of landing men on the moon. It celebrates the efforts of the many men 
and women who defied the odds and helped to make what was once believed 
to be impossible, possible. Finally, it celebrates the courageous 
spirit of the American people.

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