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CaptDave -> RE: OT: July 20, 1969 (8/27/2012 6:15:11 AM)
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I know I watched the landing, but don't remember it (except for the countless times I've seen films since then). Certainly was old enough to remember; I remember watching (on TV) a launch about 5 years earlier.
My father, my brother, and I were at a drive-in movie ("The Incredible Mister Limpet") a day or two before the landing and conditions were perfect to catch a glint of sun reflecting off the command module (it was where no star could be, so we assumed that's what it was). Just a pinpoint of light, but exciting to an 8-year-old!
I had the honor of hearing Neil Armstrong speak once. When I was in the Explorers (upper level of Scouts), I attended the National Explorer Presidents Congress and he was addressing the group of Aviation Explorers. Can't claim to have met him, but did hear him speak. At this point I have no memory of what he said, but I do remember his demeanor, and it's just as every article has described -- quiet, not at all full of himself, there to encourage us.
Trivia time: while he was arguably the most famous graduate of Purdue University, he most certainly was the most famous person ever to play in the Purdue University All American Marching Band. He played clarinet in the band (at a school with no music department). The newest engineering building on campus is named after him.
(Possible correction: it was the band director who mentioned, about 5 or 6 years ago, that Armstrong played clarinet. The obituary on the university web site says he played baritone. Minor detail, but anyone playing this game knows how important details are!)
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