WEBVTT

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Hi, everybody.

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We live in historic times, even what feels like divided times.

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It felt that way in the 1960s as well.

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Yet when we recall the challenges of the ’60s, we might also recall the triumphs of the ’60s,

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especially that awe-inspiring triumph that closed out the decade, in July of 1969.

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It was a triumph that came in the shape of a bootprint.

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“Okay, Neil, we can see you coming down the ladder now.”

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Nelson: It was one small step, that one giant leap for all of humanity.

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It was Apollo 11, whose 55th anniversary we are honored to celebrate this week.

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Space can unite a troubled country in troubled times.

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And no moment united the country quite like when the Eagle landed, as all of planet Earth watched from below.

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No moment dazzled humanity quite like when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin,

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with Mike Collins orbiting overhead, set foot on the surface of the Moon.

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We are in politically divided times again.

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As we work through this current time of challenge— and unacceptable political violence—

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let this Apollo 11 anniversary be a time of reflection and, I hope, of healing.

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Some may say that unity in divided times is an impossible dream.

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But what about the unity of Apollo 11?

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Some may say that our brightest days are behind us.

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But what will happen when humanity gathers once again, in shared reverence,

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to watch a crew of Artemis astronauts take to the heavens—

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and then when humanity sets foot once again on the surface of the Moon.

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The day will be a triumph for all.

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For humanity's capacity to work together.

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For our shared will to dream new dreams.

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Because when we can work together up there, we can live together down here— in the name of peace.