Posts: 1618 From: Gardner, KS, USA Registered: Feb 2003
posted 07-25-2009 02:12 AM
quote:Originally posted by DCCollector: Neil Armstrong is serious about his no-autograph policy...
I might get torched for this, but to me, it was almost painful to see the full crew together and be aware of the no autograph policy. All three are in excellent health and I can only dream about them one day sitting down and signing crew autographs together. Heck, it did not happen on the 25th, 30th, 35th, or 40th anniversary. It would also be nice to complete a Gemini 8 crew photo!
Don't get me wrong though, I am glad they are all alive and well. I hope we can see them all together again on the 45th and 50th anniversaries. Quick question: Do all three men typically get along and like to get together or do they just get together during these events for the media?
capoetc Member
Posts: 2169 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
posted 07-25-2009 06:54 AM
No need for "torching"... I'm sure lots of folks wold love to obtain a crew-signed photo, etc. But, think about this: You saw the insane long lines for autographs of Bean, Aldrin, and Collins at NASM. Imagine how absolutely insane it would have been if Armstrong had joined them... especially if they were signing crew photos? I don't think DC could muster enough security for an event like that.
Michael Collins once described the Apollo 11 crew as "amiable strangers". My impression is that they like each other, but they really don't get together except for events like this.
Richard Easton Member
Posts: 175 From: Winnetka, IL USA Registered: Jun 2006
posted 07-28-2009 07:07 PM
I attended the Aldrin/Lovell talk in Chicago on the 22nd. They both were in good form. Aldrin commented that the LM Armstrong landed was much harder to control than the ones used in subsequent landings. When asked what they would do differently, Lovell said that he thought Apollo 10 was a waste of time. He thought it was equivalent to testing a parachute by jumping out of a plane. Aldrin disagreed strongly and Lovell responding that he was kidding.
AJ Member
Posts: 511 From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States Registered: Feb 2009
posted 07-28-2009 09:14 PM
quote:Originally posted by MrSpace86: I might get torched for this, but to me, it was almost painful to see the full crew together and be aware of the no autograph policy.
I won't hurt you, I promise. I think for me, after my initial mania about collecting autographs started to calm down a bit, I realized that the bottom line was not so much autographs, but getting to meet them, or see them. My grandmother tells a story about seeing Kirk Douglas shopping in Manhattan in the 60s and for me to be able to say, "Buzz Aldrin? I saw him at the Air and Space Museum" or to show people a photo of me with Alan Bean is reward enough. I think autographs are just icing on the cake for me. However, I totally understand that for some people the autograph stuff is very serious and I respect that. I just personally don't see it as the be-all and end-all.
ilbasso Member
Posts: 1522 From: Greensboro, NC USA Registered: Feb 2006
posted 08-06-2009 04:43 PM
In case you didn't see it, there's a photo of Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins in front of LM-2 taken on July 19 at the NASM.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42986 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-06-2009 05:23 PM
Here is my own version from the same photo opportunity (it was also published under Recent Sightings). The photo can be enlarged by clicking on it.
ozspace Member
Posts: 231 From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Registered: May 2009
posted 09-29-2009 09:36 AM
We had an anniversary Saturn V launch in Melbourne, Australia. Enjoyable time had by all.
stsmithva Member
Posts: 1933 From: Fairfax, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 09-29-2009 05:47 PM
The launch audio sync-up was great!
posted 07-25-2009 02:12 AM
I think for me, after my initial mania about collecting autographs started to calm down a bit, I realized that the bottom line was not so much autographs, but getting to meet them, or see them. My grandmother tells a story about seeing Kirk Douglas shopping in Manhattan in the 60s and for me to be able to say, "Buzz Aldrin? I saw him at the Air and Space Museum" or to show people a photo of me with Alan Bean is reward enough. I think autographs are just icing on the cake for me. However, I totally understand that for some people the autograph stuff is very serious and I respect that. I just personally don't see it as the be-all and end-all. 
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