posted 04-13-2004 05:49 PM              

My first question is this: Does anyone know of any other visits by Neil Armstrong to Europe within the last 10 years, to events to which the public had access (by paid-for ticket or otherwise)?

My second question: Does anyone know of ANY event, ever, anywhere in the world, attended by Armstrong, to which the public had access, by paid-for ticket or otherwise, where he allowed himself to be subjected to well over 2 hours of questioning by an interviewer and members of the audience? Some of you will know from personal experience that this is exactly what happened in Dublin on November 17th, 2003. The more I think about it, the more privileged I feel at having been there, seeing the first man on the Moon being gently but very efficiently "grilled" about Gemini 8, Apollo 11, the Challenger and Columbia disasters, a return to the Moon, and his feelings about the loss of friends like Ed White. He actually spent longer answering questions than he spent walking on the Moon! Has he ever done anything like this before? If so, how recently?

posted 04-13-2004 06:57 PM               

I cant think of a time when Neil Armstrong has attended an event where he spoke so very openly...

A night not to be forgotten.......ever !!

I still cannot belive how long Neil spoke for...and found him to be a true hero..a gentleman.

I am still in awe and denial...

I never dreamt when I was six years old that all the years later I would listen too, (for 2 hours) meet..then shake hands with.,,, and have my photograph taken with Neil Armstrong.

350.00 Euros !!!....worth 10 times that I feel....

A great night...a great and profound experience for all.....

It was a pleasure to share it with you all....

Regards,

posted 04-14-2004 04:34 AM               

My sentiments exactly ! I still sometimes have to stop and think 'Did I imagine that?'

No, it was for real and a memory I will have with me for the rest of my life. Not to mention the photo and the cheesy smile !

Back to Black Arrows question I also seem to recall Neil (and Dave Scott) spoke last Summer at some tourism conference in Villamoura, Portugal.

I think there is a distinction between the speeches and presentations to 'the captains of industry' at the business conferences and what we had in Dublin which was something completely different.