Neil Armstrong | 1930-2012

[Synthaholic]

Neil Armstrong, who made the “giant leap for mankind” as the first human to set foot on the moon, died on Saturday. He was 82.

His family said in a statement that the cause was “complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.” He had undergone heart bypass surgery this month in Cincinnati, near where he lived. His recovery had been going well, according to those who spoke with him after the surgery, and his death came as a surprise to many close to him, including his fellow Apollo astronauts. The family did not say where he died.



http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/s...s-first-man-on-moon.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimes

 

[Synthaholic]

A true American hero. R.I.P.

 

[Mad Scientist]

Average life expectancy after bypass surgery is 3 years. 5 is considered a success.

I do remember, as a kid, eating cereal and watching most of the Apollo Mission rocket launches.

 

[California Girl]

I appreciate that he is an extraordinary American... but do we need two threads?

 

[Synthaholic]

Whether the United States and NASA should again attempt similar feats in space is a subject for another time. Suffice to say that Neil Armstrong and his Apollo 11 colleagues, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, had the great fortune to be part of one of those rare, exhilarating episodes of teamwork and genius available to the few but an inspiration to all.


This is a moment when some are inclined to say, "They don't make them like that anymore." But they do still make them like that, if only we have the wit to find and support them. Neil Armstrong's death at age 82 is an occasion to elevate again in the public eye the personal values that he represented—excellence, fortitude, worthy dreams and personal humility.





http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444506004577613581305105636.html

 

[candycorn]