Today, 25 August 2012, we lost a true hero when we learned of the passing of Neil Armstrong at the age of 82 (1930-2012).
It was just a little more than 43 years ago when he became the first man to step foot on the moon. The date was 20 July 1969 and the world would be forever changed by that “small step” he took for mankind.
The Armstrong family, In a statement released earlier today, asked everyone to do one small thing to honor the memory of Neil Armstrong.
For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.
Shortly after that statement was shared across Twitter a fellow #NASASocial and space enthusiast, @CatherineQ, sent out the following tweet:
Who is with me? Tonight wherever you are, honor Neil Armstrong and his family’s wishes by winking at the Moon. #WinkAtTheMoon
With that tweet the idea for this website was born and it does not just stop at tonight.
The goal will be to commemorate Neil Armstrong’s historic achievements and lifelong contributions by having this event every year on 25 August.
Please use the Twitter hashtag #WinkAtTheMoon to post your comments and photos as you honor his memory and we will share those here on the site.
We have some more work to do and will continue to add information about Neil Armstrong and his contributions as we move forward but we wanted to have a place for this event to call home.
RIP Neil Armstrong (05 August 1930 – 25 August 2012)
Will be winking at you Neil! Thank you for your courage and what you accomplished for all mankind! You will be remembered forever and ever. Rest well Friend!
Lovely idea. Godspeed Neil Armstrong.
I am so happy that the response to a simple hashtag has helped create such a great idea. Thanks for the kind mention and for the site. @CatherineQ
Great idea to remember a great man. Thanks to @CatherineQ and you for setting this up.
Thank you both for setting it up, thank you all for contributing memories and stories of a great man and true hero.
Let us take up the torch and follow the path Neil blazed.
– Mark
My tribute to Neil Amstrong. Winked at the moon through my camera lens, few minutes back
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/320190_496684317026300_79629514_n.jpg
Great idea and website. But please change “national hero” to “international hero”, “worldwide hero” or “hero of humanity”, as landing on the moon for the first time transcends nations. Thank you.
Thanks for the recommendation. I opted to just use the word hero instead of anything before it.
Will be winking at the Moon tonight and every year in honour of a true global hero.
Neil Armstrong, you are now on your final trip back home – to YOUR moon.
The traces you left on the moon will be only outlived
by the traces you left in our hearts!
Thanks for your giant gift to humankind: OUR moon
#Godspeed
All of you who are sad about this huge loss for mankind:
Join me, stand outside, listen to this song and wave him good-bye!
http://t.co/I3fyLtaN
When great minds come together for a great cause anything is possible…Neil Armstrong made history with his famous moon walk and gave us a belief that anything was possible with a common dream. Great website to honor Neil…Wink! Wink!
Wonderful project, Richard. Great job. Thinking of adding some links to or copies of some of the classic photos and videos of Neil?
Absolutely planning on building up the links, info, etc.
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I was 7 years old when you helped us take that giant leap. All the astronauts were my heroes. I winked at the moon for you, with a tear in my eye, and a bittersweet smile too. Further, faster, higher, you all had the “right stuff.” You were so brave and very modest. You made it such an exciting, wonderful time to be an American. RIP.
Godspeed to you, a true hero. I will be winking at the moon and thinking of you. I cannot wait to share this site with my students, who are our dreamers of tomorrow. Thank you for thinking of this project to honor Neil!
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