One small step - 40 years on

I was just 9 years on when Apollo 11 landed on the moon. At school we were allowed to follow events on the television and certainly it was the talk of my home and doubtless of million of other homes. The sense of excitement was palpable. I think we thought that it wouldn't be many years before a man walked on Mars but whilst there would be returns to the Moon the whole project was becoming prohibitively expensive.

Now people speculate again on a manned craft going to Mars. Of course this would be a much longer journey. It appeals to inquisitive in all of us but it is questionable whether such an expensive undertaking is justifiable given the needs not just in the 3rd World but in the USA itself.

Still today is a day to salute Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin for the way their adventure made our hearts sing 40 years ago, not to forget Michael Collins who travelled the dark side of the Moon alone in what must have been the loneliest of experiences.

40 years ago we watched in wonder for history that could never be forgotten was being made before our eyes.