One Giant Leap

Written by Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Mike Wimmer

Over 41 years ago humans landed on the moon for the first time. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the astronauts on board the Eagle. They had waited their entire careers for the opportunity to be a part of such a special mission! History was made that July day in 1969. The whole world watched for the images of a landscape that had never before been seen and listened for the very first words to be spoken on the moon's surface. The astronauts had only two hours to collect rocks and other samples and to explore their immediate surroundings in that foreign place. After lots of effort, they finally got an American flag to stand tall and proud on the moon's surface. Then, it was time for liftoff and reconnecting with Columbia to finish the final part of their journey - a safe trip back to Earth.

Can you imagine what Neil and Buzz felt like as they made the journey back to Earth after landing successfully on the moon? What do you think they did first when they arrived at home? Would you travel to the moon if you had the opportunity?