U.S. FLAG: HALF-MAST ALERT -- 8/31/Fri -- NEIL ARMSTRONG

As a mark of respect for the memory of Neil Armstrong, President Obama has issued a proclamation that on the day of interment, Friday, August 31, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff.

AN IRONY:  It seems almost fitting that the interment of this great American is on the very day of the final "blue moon," until 2015.   A "blue moon," is the unusual occurrence of a second full moon within one calendar month.  Even the moon seems to be saying, "Farewell, Neil."

DEATH OF NEIL ARMSTRONG

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As a mark of respect for the memory of Neil Armstrong, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day.

I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

1.  Here is his Wikipedia Biography

2.  A Personal Note

I remember that day, July 20, 1969. I was a 20-year old Gunners Mate on a Coast Guard 82' patrol boat, off the Viet Nam coast. 

Fishing boats were busy at work, as far as the eye could see, while we, the crew gathered around the radio to hear Neil's immortal words, as he touched moon dust with a booted foot: "One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." 

We fired every gun, rocket and flare -- blew the ship's whistle and danced around the deck, with huge smiles on every face -- er, tears in a few eyes, too. (The astonished fishermen surely thought, "Oh, those crazy Americans, again.") 

But, we were congratulating ourselves and all humankind for this once, ever, magnificent achievement.  My mind immediately flashed to President Kennedy's challenge, less than a decade before, to do this thing in 10 years. (AND, WE SURPASSED THAT INSPIRING CHALLENGE, IN TYPICALLY GRAND STYLE) 

It thrills me to think on it. Even now. And, I know, in this, that we can pass most any test that life chooses to throw our way -- if we approach it with good will and determination and self-confidence -- and we have plenty of that, and can always produce more, as ever we need to -- and we always do. 

I'll never, ever forget you, Neil. None of us can.

David Nelson,
Editor and Publisher