It was July 1969 and I was seven years old.
Lisbon was a quiet city back then, much as many others around the world, and yet, that night there was a certain excitement in the air!!! Were the Astronauts going to be able to land on the Moon? Suddenly, life itself became a bit like science fiction and this was a source of excitment for all!
Dad said I could stay up, exceptionally, because "this was an historic moment"!
Even at that young age, I had the feeling I was living something exceptional. One day, I would be able to tell my children or my children's children: I saw the first Man who walked on the Moon!
In Portugal, the actual landing happened during the wee hours of the morning. But I managed to keep my eyes open and watch through it all... And I never forgot it!
Today, thinking back, I felt like sharing this with you. Do you still remember where you were back then? Leave me a comment!
Even though it may have been "a small step for man, but a giant leap for Humanity" - for me this landing also marked the moment from which it became visible that EARTH is but a small HOME where we ALL live together - so, why not make the best of it? With Friendliness, Respect for others and Good Will? We can make this a BETTER WORLD!
Maria Carmo
Lisbon, 08th. Julhy 2009
(Photos from Wikipedia)
