    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9911 of July 19, 2019

    50th Anniversary Observance of the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    In 1961, President John F. Kennedy boldly challenged our Nation to land
    an American on the Moon and return him safely to Earth within that
    decade. Eight years later, thanks to the spirit, pride, tenacity, and
    expertise of scientists, engineers, aviators, and visionaries, America
    completed this remarkable feat in human space exploration. On the 50th
    anniversary of this historic milestone, we honor the brave astronauts of
    the Apollo 11 spaceflight and all the men and women whose sacrifices,
    unwavering dedication, and extraordinary talent produced one of
    history's most triumphant achievements.
    On July 16, 1969, families and communities around the world watched in
    awe and trepidation as a trio of astronauts--Neil Armstrong, Buzz
    Aldrin, and Michael Collins--climbed into the command module Columbia
    and left Earth on the first manned mission to land on the Moon. The
    intrepid pilots traveled nearly a quarter of a million miles through
    space, and 4 days later, on July 20, 1969, they landed the Apollo 11
    lunar module on the Moon's Sea of Tranquility.
    Neil Armstrong's first steps on the Moon brought humanity into a new
    era. And as he and Buzz Aldrin planted the American flag into the

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    ``magnificent desolation'' of the Moon's surface, they left no doubt
    about what had brought humans to the new frontier--American ingenuity,
    grit, and determination.
    Apollo 11 fueled advancements in many sectors of our society, including
    science, technology, and commerce. And the work of the National
    Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the entire aerospace
    industry remains critical to our Nation's continued quest for greatness,
    powers our economy, and strengthens our defense.
    Early in my Administration, I pledged to renew America's commitment to
    human space exploration and the boundless potential beyond Earth's
    gravity. I revived the National Space Council within the White House to
    coordinate all space-related activities across the Government, including
    with the National Security Council on matters relating primarily to
    national security. The Space Council has helped to bring together
    skilled leaders in business and industry to accelerate innovation and
    seize opportunities throughout the space enterprise. I also signed Space
    Policy Directive-1, challenging NASA to lead the return of Americans to
    the Moon, eventually send the first Americans to Mars, and enable humans
    to expand and deepen our reach across the solar system.
    As Neil Armstrong's boots pressed into the dust on the Moon's surface in
    1969, he delivered an unforgettable message, ``one small step for man,
    one giant leap for mankind.'' His words have resonated around the globe
    and through the years to embolden dreamers and future explorers and to
    draw their attention to the power and the possibility of the boundless
    wonders of space. Today, we reaffirm our continuing and shared quest to
    unlock greater mysteries, take bigger leaps for humanity, and advance
    America's leadership in space exploration.
    The success of Apollo 11 is one of our country's defining moments. As we
    observe this 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing, we celebrate
    the incredible voyage of our Nation's heroic astronauts, and all those
    who supported them from mission control and elsewhere back home. Their
    historic accomplishment rallies our patriotism and pride, ignites our
    sense of adventure, and steels our belief that no dream is impossible--
    no matter how lofty or challenging.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 20, 2019, as the
    50th Anniversary Observance of the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing. I call upon
    public officials, educators, and all Americans to observe this occasion
    by honoring the Apollo 11 mission and all of the men and women who have
    served in our Nation's space program.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of
    July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fourth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP