Jim Baird: “Today I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 and the triumph of the human spirit. On July 16, 1969, three…”

“Today I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 and the triumph of the human spirit. On July 16, 1969, three Americans boarded a rocket at Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida. When they lifted off a few hours later with a flight path toward the unthinkable, humanity was changed forever. Millions of men, women, and children were inspired watching the extraordinary events unfold over the next 4 days as humanity took these first steps on the Moon. Fellow Purdue University alumnus Neil Armstrong's words: ``That is one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind'' will forever define that moment in history. The successful journey to the Moon brought with it a tremendous sense of triumph and pride. Our Nation found a bold, common goal that we reached through American ingenuity and determination. This is the spirit that carries us forward in exploration and innovation today. Right now we are looking at returning to the Moon within the next 5 years and eventually landing on Mars. Madam Speaker, what has been previously unheard of is now being thrust into the scope of reality. It is our responsibility to keep taking giant leaps to challenge what is perceived as impossible, and I look forward to the next chapter of American space exploration. ____________________”