Every year, I post some part of Gene Cernan's now-infamous last words spoken on the Moon, because every year the expanse widens between us and the time when humans explored other worlds, or even attempted to leave the gravity well of our home. The future has become more uncertain than ever.
Today marks the 44th anniversary of the last human presence on the Moon. If you're looking for some nostalgia, or education (a little of both, perhaps?), Apollo 17 is a great real-time site (you can scroll through to whenever you want, as well) with mountains of information.
I'm giving it to you here, because I feel the words, from the head and heart as they were, are poignant, hopeful, and provocative.
It's important for those of you alive to witness the Apollo Program not to forget what was acomplished and fight to push those boundaries out again.
For those of us who are the Shuttle Generation, to forge ahead into the unknown and foster change in perceptions about exploration, and pass your passion on to both young and old.
To you who are the International Space Station Generation, push with everything you are to make yourselves the Mars Generation, and let everyone know what you love.
It's important for those of you alive to witness the Apollo Program not to forget what was acomplished and fight to push those boundaries out again.
For those of us who are the Shuttle Generation, to forge ahead into the unknown and foster change in perceptions about exploration, and pass your passion on to both young and old.
To you who are the International Space Station Generation, push with everything you are to make yourselves the Mars Generation, and let everyone know what you love.
Bob, this is Gene, and I'm on the surface; and as I take man's last step from the surface, back home for some time to come
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| The First Nighttime Crewed Launch. NASA |
- but we believe not too long into the future -
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| Moondust. Spencer Finch |
I'd like to just let, what I believe history will record: that America's challenge of today has forged man's destiny of tomorrow.
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| Lunar Sample 78575, Apollo 17. Lunar & Planetary Institute |
And, as we leave the Moon at Taurus-Littrow, we leave as we came and, god willing, as we shall return, with peace and in hope for all mankind.
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| The Last Man on the Moon. Alan Bean |
"Godspeed the crew of Apollo 17."
Bonus: Tomorrow by PSB
