In response to Jay Holtzman’s letter in the July 11 Gazette (“What exactly was that ‘giant step for mankind?’”), I share his concern about an astronaut’s overly optimistic declaration upon taking his first step on the moon.
“A giant leap for mankind” certainly didn’t happen, not in 50, nor even in five years after the Apollo missions ended. However, I’m also concerned about the lack of knowledge about recent American history that Mr. Holtzman displayed. I hope that the majority of Americans know that it was Neil Armstrong who made that famous statement when he and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon.
John Glenn was famous for being the first American to orbit the Earth. In the midst of the space race with the Soviet Union, his achievement was an important milestone. But Glenn never participated in the Apollo missions which aimed to put astronauts on the moon.
I recommend that Jay Holtzman check his facts before writing his letter, which should have been addressed to “Dear Neil.”
Margaret Halbeisen
Amherst