Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Justin Duckham-Talk Radio News Service

Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong, famous for being the first man to walk on the moon, has a reputation for intense modesty, often times shunning the publicity associated with his historic act. However, during a ceremony held Tuesday by the U.S. House of Representatives to celebrate the recent 40th anniversary of the lunar landing, Armstrong offered a rare speech reflecting on his now legendary mission.

“No one knew what kind of person could be persuaded to take the trip. Prisoners were suggested. Soldiers could be ordered. Photographers could take pictures and they’re expendable,” joked Armstrong, referencing the crowd of photographers in attendance. “Finally, both sides picked pilots...they actually seemed to enjoy being up away from the surface of the Earth.”

On Monday, the House and Senate voted to bestow Armstrong and his two fellow crew members, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, with the Congressional Gold Medal. While Armstrong noted that the award was an honor, he stressed that equal recognition should be given to the astronauts that had flown before him.

“This race was a relay race. Every flight was a leg of the relay....We were the final leg of a relay race. The final leg get the medal, but in all honesty, every one of those previous relay participants deserve it as well, or more, than the three of us.”

The ceremony was attended by several of the “previous relay participants”, but one was certainly no stranger to the ceremony's Washington, D.C. setting: Mercury VII astronaut and former Senator John Glenn (D-Ohio).