Posts: 170 From: Tucson, Arizona Registered: Jan 2009
posted 06-18-2009 11:58 PM
It is being reported that Walter Cronkite is gravely ill. I thought that we all should all in whatever way give a little thought or prayer his way. Between watching Walter during the Kennedy assassination, the war and the the space program he was the voice of my generation.
AstronautBrian Member
Posts: 287 From: Louisiana Registered: Jan 2006
posted 06-19-2009 01:46 AM
American journalism today is dead. We need the likes of Mr. Cronkite again. Get well soon, sir.
Mike Z Member
Posts: 451 From: Ellicott City, Maryland Registered: Dec 2005
posted 06-19-2009 03:39 AM
Walter Cronkite is what broadcasting is all about. He loved the space program as if it was his own. His enthusiasm was so high when he reported, "Man on the Moon!" Then the pain in his face when he read the bulletin that President Kennedy died. I can still see him taking his glasses off. Also he ended his newscast with the words, "And that's the way it is" He had the perfect voice for television broadcasting. There will NEVER be another Walker Cronkite. God bless you and your family Mr. Cronkite....
Lou Chinal Member
Posts: 1306 From: Staten Island, NY Registered: Jun 2007
posted 06-19-2009 04:40 AM
The Kennedy administration and the space program will forever be linked. I will never forget Cronkite glancing at the clock saying, "President Kennedy died at 1:00 PM.- some thirty-eight minutes ago."
And I will never forget being glued to the T.V. watching the launch of Apollo 11. The line, "man is on his way to to moon" still gives me goose bumps.
I met Walter Cronkite in the early 1980's at an airborne reunion... did you know he jumped into Normandy on D-Day? Covering the other great story of the 20th century.
I'm sure everyone joins me in wishing a speedy recovery.
KSCartist Member
Posts: 2896 From: Titusville, FL USA Registered: Feb 2005
posted 06-19-2009 05:01 AM
Walter Cronkite is the guy that took me to the Moon. I remember being glued to the TV 24/7 during the flight of Apollo 11. I slept on the floor in the Living Room in a sleeping bag (why not the couch?). I still remember his words when we landed, "Oh Boy!". The perfect reaction for what we were all feeling.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Cronkite on October 4, 1997 when the Apollo, Skylab and ASTP astronauts were inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. He seemed genuinely surprised and pleased when I thanked him for taking me to the Moon and asked for his autograph. I still treasure that photo and memory.
Thank you again Mr. Cronkite and please get well soon.
quote:Originally posted by KSCartist: Walter Cronkite is the guy that took me to the Moon.
I could not agree more. In my opinion Walter Cronkite was able to help people feel the magic of space flight in a way few others have since. My fondest memories of the the program was sitting in front of our old black and white RCA hanging on every word Walter Cronkite and Wally Schira said. I think Walter Cronkite had an enthusiasm and ability to convey it in a way that did not speak down to the public. I suspect he truly believed that landing a man on the moon was THE crowning achievement in mans history. He made me believe that in any case.
All the best to him.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2474 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 06-19-2009 08:30 AM
Walter was the other member of every crew and agree he took us all to the moon. Get well soon kind sir.
Joel Katzowitz Member
Posts: 808 From: Marietta GA USA Registered: Dec 1999
posted 06-19-2009 09:37 AM
I grew up listening to and believing him as well.
Several years ago my son, who is also a journalist, gave me a copy of Cronkite's biography entitled "A Reporter's Life". It's an entertaining and informative read.
I hope he recovers and lives long enough to add several more chapters to his life.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 06-19-2009 12:51 PM
Get well soon Walter. Prayers and Best Wishes from friends in the UK.
AstroAutos Member
Posts: 803 From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland Registered: Mar 2009
posted 06-19-2009 01:43 PM
Get Well Soon Walter from all here in Ireland!
Lou Chinal Member
Posts: 1306 From: Staten Island, NY Registered: Jun 2007
posted 06-19-2009 01:56 PM
I stand corrected: Cronkite landed in a glider during Operation Market Garden with the 101st airborne. All I remember that night, was I was impressed.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-19-2009 09:43 PM
Fortunately, it seems that Walter Cronkite is doing better than originally reported. The New York Daily News cites Cronkite's assistant:
"The news reports that have gone out are overstated," said a spokeswoman for the 92-year-old CBS icon.
"He has suffered no major health crisis. He is at home. He was recently ill, and he's home recuperating. He's not gravely ill."
ilbasso Member
Posts: 1522 From: Greensboro, NC USA Registered: Feb 2006
posted 06-19-2009 10:04 PM
That's a relief!!
Some may remember that Cronkite's executive producer on his "Universe" and other shows was Jonathan Ward...not me, but I have actually received phone calls intended for him, congratulating "me" for some TV award or another.
dom Member
Posts: 855 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 06-20-2009 06:31 AM
Mr. Cronkite helped me out with some of my research a few years back and was the true gentleman I had always expected.
He gave me a great quote about the press pack watching at the Apollo 11 launch: "You couldn't be around these people without realising how important it all was - because they told you all the time!"
quote:Originally posted by AstronautBrian: American journalism today is dead. We need the likes of Mr. Cronkite again.
Alas, with a 24/7 news cycle, and '57 channels with nothing on', that won't happen.
He will forever remain, for me, the quintessential news broadcaster.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-26-2009 01:09 PM
The New York Post received a letter from Cronkite's children:
In order to set the record straight, Cronkite's three children, Nancy, Kathy Cronkite and Walter (Chip) Cronkite III sent me an email that read, "In order to dispel false rumors, Walter Cronkite's family want it known that, sadly, he is very ill and is not expected to recuperate; he is resting at home surrounded by family, friends and a wonderful medical team. We thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes."
Rick Boos Member
Posts: 851 From: Celina, Ohio Registered: Feb 2000
posted 06-27-2009 01:18 PM
All the best Walter! Thanks for all the GREAT CBS coverage of Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo! Because of you many doors opened for me! Wishing you all the best and Godspeed!
ejectr Member
Posts: 1751 From: Killingly, CT Registered: Mar 2002
posted 06-27-2009 07:49 PM
A man's man indeed.
E2M Lem Man Member
Posts: 846 From: Los Angeles CA. USA Registered: Jan 2005
posted 07-01-2009 07:31 PM
"...and that's the way it is" Get well, Walter!
Topic Closed
posted 06-18-2009 11:58 PM
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