Shoot For The Moon: 50th Anniversary Of The Apollo 11 Moon Landing

Neil Armstrong Flag On Moon

Where Were You When Neil Armstrong Walked On The Moon?

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
– Psalm 19:1

I didn’t know it at the time as I was just a little girl but on July 20, 1969, my family and I witnessed what would become not only one of the most significant historical events of the 20th century but arguably in all of human history!

On that momentous day, as four generations gathered around our black and white television set, we joined the global community of 600 million or so starry-eyed souls who saw Apollo 11 become the first manned spacecraft to land on the moon.

With our eyes glued to that tiny TV, we watched with wonder as Neil Armstrong descended down the ladder of the Eagle to claim his place in history as the first man to ever walk on the surface of the moon.

One Small Step Quote

We could hear pins drop as Neil uttered those now famous words that would forever shatter any preconceived notions we might have held about what humanity could or couldn’t do:

That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.

What we had once considered impossible was now taking place before our very eyes!

That iconic event helped shaped the course of my life. Because I saw Neil walk on the moon before I was even old enough to enter grade school, I knew that there was no limit to what I could do in life. I believed my teachers when they told me that I could grow up to do anything I wanted. I believed my spiritual leaders when they taught me the Bible and inspired me with these powerful words of Jesus:

Everything is possible for one who believes. – Mark 9:23

How Did Neil Armstrong Become An American Hero?

Neil Armstrong Heartbeats Quote

Have you ever wondered how a seemingly ordinary kid who grows up in a small town like Wapakoneta, Ohio can become a great American hero like Neil Armstrong?

I believe that living an extraordinary life – whether we walk on the moon or not – is within the grasp of each of us (and our children too!)

It all begins by doing what Neil did – pursuing the dreams and passions that has God placed in our hearts:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
– Jeremiah 29:11

Neil Armstrong Shoot For The Moon Quote

From his earliest childhood, Neil showed an unusual interest in flight, space, and aeronautics that his parents and neighbors fostered. Neil first fell in love with flying when his father took him on his first plane ride at age 5. He then became fascinated with the stars, moon, and planets as he viewed them from his neighbor’s telescope. He loved building model planes and rockets just for fun. He began taking flying lessons when he was 14. He was so diligent, he earned his pilot’s license before he was old enough to drive!

Because his parents started him off in the way that he should go (Proverbs 22:6) and encouraged him to unwaveringly pursue his God-given dreams, Neil fulfilled God’s plans, accomplished God’s purposes, and reached his full potential in life. Neil became a decorated navy fighter pilot, an aerospace engineer, and a university professor, as well as the first man to set foot on the surface of the moon.

What strikes me most about Neil, however, is not his accomplishments but his character. Although he certainly earned his place in the public eye, Neil was never obsessed with pursuing publicity or hogging the spotlight – he simply was not a selfie sort of guy! Instead, Neil lived a humble and unassuming life, avoiding publicity whenever possible.

The Most Significant Moment Of Neil Armstrong’s Life

Believe Bible Verse

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God,
but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.
– Romans 4:20

Neil was a guy who never lost sight of what was important in life – particularly when it came to matters of faith. In 1994, Neil traveled to Israel. During his tour of the Old City of Jerusalem with the noted archeologist Meir Ben-Dov, he visited the Hulda Gate at the top of the stairs leading to the Temple Mount.

When Neil asked his guide whether or not he was walking on the original stairs where Jesus walked, Ben-Dov confirmed that he was.

Neil’s amazing response?

I have to tell you, I am more excited stepping on these stones
than when I was stepping on the moon.

Fun Ways To Celebrate The Apollo Moon Landing With Your Family

Apollo 11 50th Anniversary

The world will soon celebrate the 50th anniversary of the United States’ first landing on the moon and Neil’s “one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind”. Why not use this as an opportunity to plan some fun family activities and share this incredible slice of history with your kids?

Here are some fun yet educational activities we plan to do – perhaps your family will enjoy doing them as well!

  • Visit your local planetarium or set up a telescope in your back yard and spend an evening with your family under the stars.
     
  • Plan a fun yet educational movie night with your family watching the new Apollo 11 movie and discuss what you learned about the mission afterwards!
     
    A Kite For Moon
  • Encourage your kids to pursue the dreams that God has placed in their hearts by reading A Kite For Moon – a book that honors Neil Armstrong and that’s written with 4 to 8 year olds in mind! This heartfelt story about a young boy’s fascination and unlikely friendship with the moon is written by New York Times bestselling author Jane Yolen and her daughter, Heidi Stemple, and features over 20 gorgeous illustrations by award-winning artist Matt Phelan.
  • Your Turn

    What dreams has God given you and your kids that need nurturing? How does Neil’s story inspire you or strengthen your faith? Did you witness Neil landing on the moon and if so, how did this impact your life? Please share your stories in the comments!

    This article was originally written for and published by Faith Gateway.
    Please visit them for more inspirational articles!

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18 Responses to “Shoot For The Moon: 50th Anniversary Of The Apollo 11 Moon Landing”

Read below or add a comment...

  1. Brian Frum says:

    Our Dad sure remembers that too. He had two uncles who were involved in the space program from day one and the Dad has seen at least one launch from each and every series from Mercury to the Space Shuttle.

  2. He is a true American hero and a wonderful man. I was like seven months old and have no memories of it. LOL.

    I guess just being alive and not falling prey to the streets as many people I know did is something that God has helped me with through out my life.

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Yes, that would be a little young to remember – but with all of the movies and documentary coverage, you’ll probably feel like you were there Patrick! 🙂

      So happy to hear how God has been present and watching over you throughout your life! 🙂

  3. Oh the memories! I was 7 years old and remember it like it was yesterday. My family and some close friends watched it on our old Magnavox black and white tv. It was the most amazing moment in history that I could remember. It sparked an interest in space, in the sky, in everything unknown. Neil Armstrong got my attention that day. Thanks for sharing this post. It made my heart smile.

  4. Mandy says:

    Loved reading this post! I wasn’t born when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon but I am still in awe that we, as humans, were able to accomplish something so big and momentous!

  5. Mother of 3 says:

    I wasn’t born yet when Neil walked on the moon but we have watched all of the Apollo movies and read lots of great picture books to go along with them.

  6. Yes, it’s been fun seeing all the news coverage from the original moonwalk, I liked Neil Armstrong’s shy personality, shunning media attention.

  7. Anniversaries like this make me feel really ancient… which I suppose isn’t too far wrong!

  8. Tina at Mommynificent
    Twitter: mommynificent
    says:

    What a fun post! I loved reading about your experience! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday at Mommynificent.com!
    Tina

  9. Lisa notes says:

    My dad worked for NASA his whole career so we always kept up with all the space news. He met several astronauts through the years. I wish I could remember remember watching the moon landing; I’m sure we had the TV on!

  10. We celebrated this too. It was a great experience to share the memories of that historical moment with our kids.

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