Categories: ScienceSpace

Should The Apollo XI Astronauts Not Make It Home: President Richard Nixon’s Speech

Background

The following speech is found within the holdings of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.  The President’s speechwriter, William Safire, wrote this statement on July 18, 1969, and sent it to White House Chief of Staff H. R. “Bob” Haldeman.

It was to be used in the event the astronauts were stranded on the Moon and could not return to Earth.

The document, and the speech within, represents the amazing risk these brave men took on this mission.  Obviously, the speech was not needed, but should serve as a reminder of what they did potentially sacrifice for the greater good of humanity.

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This post was published on July 18, 2019 3:07 pm

John Greenewald

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