Tranquility Base Here

On May 25, 1961 President Kennedy challenged our Nation to land on the Moon and safely return before the end of the decade.  Eight years later, on July 20, 1969 we did just that.  The Lunar Module touched down on the Moon as Neil Armstrong spoke the words:  “Tranquility Base Here, The Eagle Has Landed.”  At that breath-taking moment, and as the Columbia Command Module orbited the Moon, the Earth changed. 

America was spell-bound as we waited for the next daring move…from the ladder of the Lunar Landing Module, Neil Armstrong reached human foot toward the unearthly surface of the Moon.  As Armstrong made first contact with a celestial body, his voice reverberated through time:  “That’s One Small Step For A Man, One Giant Leap For Mankind.”

For those of us who witnessed these Epic events unfold, there simply are no words that can express the tranformation that our collective minds experienced.  This is a true heroic tale of astronomical proportions.  The faith in our country and our future, in a single moment, took a quantum leap.  Everything was possible and nothing could stop us.  The Astronauts confirmed in our souls that our potential was unlimited.

What happened?  That was forty years ago.  Yes, there have been vast innovations and technological progess.  But where is the faith and the spirit?  Where are the Heroic Leaders who will push the boundaries of our perceived limitations and take us on the next Epic Journey beyond imagination?  Are they to be found on Capital Hill or Pennsylvannia Avenue?  I know; we can only frown, grimmace or laugh at the thought.  Then I ask:  “what’s up with you and me?”  Why do we settle for mediocrity in this country?  Will the Eagle ever fly again?

Let’s use this moment to reflect and reawaken our unstoppable spirit, and let’s make that collective transformation once again.

Just Imagine…