Sheila Jackson Lee: “What a glorious week to celebrate the 50th commemoration of Apollo 11. I rise as someone whose eyes were wide open when…”

“What a glorious week to celebrate the 50th commemoration of Apollo 11. I rise as someone whose eyes were wide open when this magnificent act occurred. I had the privilege of serving on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, as well, and on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee. I even served as they were building this massive space station. It is likewise a privilege to represent the area on which NASA's Johnson Space Center is located. Just a few weeks ago, I walked through mission control and saw those outstanding men and women symbolizing those who were at their station on the very day that Neil Armstrong touched this magnificent planet. And then to be able to say, ``one small step for man, and one large step for mankind,'' but to know what the astronauts go through, and the stars in the eyes of children. Every year, I hold a Christmas party of 15,000 for the children in our community. The most popular people that come are the astronauts that I invite. I am excited about celebrating this 50th commemoration of Apollo 11. I salute the astronauts, the teams, and NASA because it opens our eyes to the wideness of space, the wonderment of science, and the greatness of America. God bless them. Congratulations. And God bless America. ____________________”