posted 07-17-2009 07:32 PM               

Veteran anchor Walter Cronkite dies at 92

Veteran television news anchor Walter Cronkite, who chronicled the rise of the American space program and in particular, the success of the first manned moon landing in 1969, died Friday (July 17) at age 92.

From the beginning of America's manned space program to the age of the space shuttle, Walter Cronkite anchored CBS Evening News. Already a veteran journalist before coming to network news, Cronkite anchored the launch of Apollo 11, shouting "go, baby, go" as it rocketed into space. His marathon, live coverage of the first moon landing brought the excitement and impact of the historic event into the homes of millions of Americans and observers around the world, spending 27 of the next 30 hours on the air.

A moment of silence can be signified by a reply with no words and only a period.

posted 07-17-2009 07:32 PM               

NASA Mourns the Death of Walter Cronkite

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden on the death of veteran journalist Walter Cronkite.

"It is with great sadness that the NASA family learned of Walter Cronkite's passing. He led the transition from print and radio reporting to the juggernaut that became television journalism. His insight and integrity were unparalleled, and his compassion helped America make it through some of the most tragic and trying times of the 20th century.

"From the earliest days of the space program, Walter brought the excitement, the drama and the achievements of space flight directly into our homes. But it was the conquest of the moon in the late 1960s that energized Walter most about exploration. He called it the most important feat of all time and said that the success of Apollo 11 would be remembered 500 years from now as humanity's greatest achievement.

"It was Walter Cronkite's impassioned reporting on America's inaugural moon landing that inspired me to join in the dreams of many to travel to space and accept the risks that this exploration brings while I was a student in naval flight training.

"In honor of his ethical and enthusiastic coverage of our nations' space program, NASA was proud to honor Walter in 2006 with an Ambassador of Exploration Award and presented him with an Apollo lunar sample.

"For decades, we had the privilege of learning about our world from the original 'anchorman.' He was a true gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with Walter's family and his millions of friends and supporters."

Photo credit: Retro Space Images

posted 07-17-2009 07:32 PM               

Neil Armstrong Statement on the Death of Walter Cronkite

The following is a statement issued by Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong on the death of Walter Cronkite.

"For a news analyst and reporter of the happenings of the day to be successful, he or she needs three things: accuracy, timeliness, and the trust of the audience. Many are fortunate to have the first two. The trust of the audience must be earned.

"Walter Cronkite seemed to enjoy the highest of ratings. He had a passion for human space exploration, an enthusiasm that was contagious, and the trust of his audience. He will be missed."

Photo credit: Retro Space Images

posted 07-17-2009 08:58 PM               

I watch the CBS News frequently as he introduces Katie Couric.

posted 07-17-2009 09:13 PM               

I thanked him for taking me to the Moon. The gentleman that he was - he seemed genuinely pleased that I admired his work and wanted to meet him.

Years later I remember that he applied to be the first journalist in space - a program that was canceled after the Challenger tragedy. I still remember the LIFE Magazine with his photo in the NASA blue flight suit looking like someone with the Right Stuff as well. Uncle Walter- you finally made it.

posted 07-17-2009 10:43 PM               

In my own case, I was too young to remember the Apollo missions, even though I was on this earth for the last four of them. But, I certainly did grow up in my formative years with Walter on the CBS Evening News. Even to a child, he was easy to understand when he reported on world events. I never can fully remember who the other news anchors were in the 1970s, but Walter Cronkite was a household name. When Walter left the news in 1981, I tuned in to watch all the episodes of "Walter Cronkite's Universe" as it sort of opened my eyes to science and made it cool. Too bad the execs at CBS didn't opt to continue it much past a season or two.

As such, even though I wasn't around for Apollo 11, Walter does still provide a point of context and reference to that moment based on what experiences I do have of him. He IS something I am familiar with. As such, I can relate to the emotions he and Wally experienced and expressed to get a sense of what I perceive it was like.

I don't think there will ever be another TV anchorman quite like Cronkite ever again. But I don't look to his passing with sadness. More a sense of thanks for what he gave to us during a portion of the 92 years he was on this Earth telling it "...the way it is."