Richard M. Nixon

Telephone Talk With Apollo 11 Astronauts on the Moon

delivered 20 July 1969, Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C.

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[AUTHENTICITY CERTIFIED: Text version below transcribed directly from audio]

Mission Control: Neil and Buzz, the President of the United States is in his office now and would like to say a few words to you -- over.

Astronaut Armstrong: That would be an honor.

Mission Control: Go ahead Mr. President. This is Houston -- out.

President Nixon: Hello Neil and Buzz, I'm talking to you by telephone from the Oval Room at the White House. And this certainly has to be the most historic telephone call ever made from the White House.

I just can't tell you how proud we all are of what you have done. For every American this has to be the proudest day of our lives, and for people all over the world I am sure that they, too, join with Americans in recognizing what an immense feat this is.

Because of what you have done the heavens have become a part of man's world.

And as you talk to us from the Sea of Tranquility, it inspires us to redouble our efforts to bring peace and tranquility to earth.

For one priceless moment, in the whole history of man, all the people on this earth are truly one -- one in their pride in what you have done; and one in our prayers that you will return safely to earth.

Astronaut Armstrong: Thank you, Mr. President. It's a great honor and privilege for us to be here representing not only the United States, but men of peaceable nations, men with interest and a curiosity, and men with a vision for the future. [It's an?] honor for us to be able to participate here today.

President Nixon: And thank you very much, and I look forward, all of us look forward, to seeing you on the Hornet on Thursday.

Astronaut Aldrin: [I?] look forward to that very much, sir.


Audio Note: Compiled from multiple sources and edited slightly for continuity. All originally delivered content preserved.

Image Source: Wikipedia.org

Page Updated: 2/10/21

U.S. Copyright Status: Text, Image = Public domain. Audio = Uncertain.

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American Rhetoric.
HTML transcription by Michael E. Eidenmuller.