Moon Landing

Today is July 16, 1969, a calm sunny morning. I am on my back wearing my spacesuit and helmet. I’m strapped to the narrow chair inside the Apollo 11 rocket and about to experience a very thrilling journey.

Now the rocket is shaking as it lifts off. Twelve minutes later we enter Earth’s orbit and silently admire the view below. I float like a snowflake. I am scared that we might run out of fuel, but the silence around us is comforting.

It is four days later, and we are ready to descend to the moon. The spacecraft’s alarm signals that we are very low on fuel, but we make a smooth landing. I am relieved but also excited that we are now on the moon.

We open the Eagle spacecraft’s door, and Neil Armstrong climbs carefully down the ladder. He makes his first step on the moon and speaks words that will be printed in every U.S. history book from now on: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”

I step down after him, both of us jumping about because of the low gravity. We plant the American flag. I am amazed by the rocky landscape and repeat Neil’s words in my mind: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Too soon it it’s time to return to the spacecraft. It shudders as we launch off to rejoin the Apollo 11 spacecraft.

Days later we splash into the Pacific Ocean, where divers bring us out. I have just experienced the most terrific journey of my life.

I am still fascinated by the moment when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon and I followed him. It was one of the greatest expeditions of all time.