(Written by kencraw)

It was with great sadness that I heard of Neil Armstrong’s passing at the age of 82. I grew up in a time when the most exciting thing for a young boy was space exploration and Neil Armstrong was of course the icon of that time.

I was always amazed at how little he was in the public eye and always treasured the few interviews I got to see with him. I understand that was what he wanted, and I admire him for having the fortitude to eschew the siren call of cashing in on his fame. Frankly, I feel a little sad for him in that he was perhaps trapped in a persona that may not have entirely been him. Of all the interviews I saw of various astronauts his always had the feel of “I have to act as the representative of NASA and can’t be fully myself”. Every statement was carefully guarded to ensure there was no controversy and it had the full cheer-leading for NASA affect it was expected to have.

However, one can’t feel too sorry for Neil Armstrong. Both his physical and mental gifts have been well documented, and how lucky was it to be in the right place and time that those gifts could net him an experience and life unlikely any other. What a gifted life he led!

Now he gets the rest of being with his maker, and I wish him peace. Thank you for inspiring millions of little boys such as myself, Mr. Armstrong!