Today in History - July 21 | 'Hello Neil and Buzz': Richard Nixon telephones the moon
July 21
On July 21, 1969, Apollo 11 mission commander Neil Armstrong became the first person to ever walk on the surface of another world.
As he stepped from the landing module's footpad onto the terrain of the moon, Armstrong famously said "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
Armstrong snapped this photo of fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin after they placed a US flag on the moon.
The crew also left behind a plaque, which included their signatures and that of then-US President Richard Nixon.
Numerous urban myths have sprung up around the first moonwalk, including Armstrong's alleged words, "Good luck, Mr Gorsky", referring to a neighbour he'd had as a child.
However, the line appears in no recordings or transcripts of his broadcasts from the moon.
Armstrong did speak by telephone to Nixon, who congratulated the astronauts on their history making effort.
"Hello, Neil and Buzz. I'm talking to you by telephone from the Oval Room at the White House. And this certainly has to be the most historic telephone call ever made from the White House. I just can't tell you how proud we all are of what you have done. For every American, this has to be the proudest day of our lives. And for people all over the world, I am sure that they too join with Americans in recognizing what an immense feat this is. Because of what you have done, the heavens have become a part of man's world. And as you talk to us from the Sea of Tranquility, it inspires us to redouble our efforts to bring peace and tranquility to Earth. For one priceless moment in the whole history of man, all the people on this Earth are truly one: one in their pride in what you have done, and one in our prayers that you will return safely to Earth," Nixon said.
"Thank you, Mr President. It's a great honour and privilege for us to be here, representing not only the United States, but men of peace of all nations, and with interest and a curiosity, and men with a vision for the future," Armstrong responded.
US President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election on July 21, 2024.
Biden, who had initially campaigned on being a one-term "transitional" president, came to believe he was best placed to defeat Republican nominee Donald Trump.
However, escalating concerns within the Democratic party over Biden's mental fitness and a disastrous debate with Trump saw Biden agree to withdraw, putting forward Vice President Kamala Harris as presumptive nominee in his place.
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