posted 01-24-2005 12:27 AM               

Contrary to popular belief, last week was not entirely about George W. Bush -- at least according to the fans of one American hero. It was Buzz Aldrin's week, and the president's second inauguration was merely the icing on the astronaut's cake.

"Every four years, depending on how the wind blows, I'm very happy to be here," said the right-leaning Aldrin, who celebrated his 75th birthday on Inauguration Day at an intimate gathering at the Four Seasons. It was just one stop on the party train that Aldrin and wife Lois rode all week long: Tuesday he accepted an honor at Florida's "W Awards"; Wednesday he was schmoozing at Buffy Cafritz's A-list soiree. "I'm going to try to set a record tonight," said the second man to walk on the moon. "We're going to the Convention Center after this, then the Library of Congress, maybe Air and Space for the Ohio party." We should all be so lively at 75.

The birthday bash, hosted by Aldrin pals Van Hipp and Spike Karalekas, was the starting line of Thursday's party marathon. "Hell, I wouldn't miss this!" boomed Sen. Edward Kennedy as he greeted Aldrin. "He's a Republican like most of the people in this room," Kennedy said later with a forgiving smile. "But he's a legend." Other well-wishers included Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, former ambassador to Spain George Argyros and wife Julia, and Ana Botella de Aznar, wife of Spain's former prime minister.

"We're not going to any of the balls -- been there, done that," said Cafritz, there with husband Bill. "But we figured 75 is really special." As the time came for town cars to whisk the merrymakers away, the 50 or so guests still sipping cocktails sang "Happy Birthday" to Aldrin. Then, it was off to the races.

"We'll be up all night," said Lois Aldrin. "I'm Superman's wife."

posted 01-16-2010 12:59 PM               

There's Still Time to Sign Buzz's Birthday Card

Join Thousands to Wish Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Happy Birthday

Buzz Aldrin has walked on the Moon, rapped about the Rocket Experience, and served as a tireless advocate for exploring the high frontier. Next week, the Apollo 11 astronaut turns 80 on January 20, 2010, and well-wishers worldwide can join The Planetary Society in saying Happy Birthday.

"A man and a milestone in the history of human exploration. Thank you, Buzz, for your willpower and determination... Happy Birthday!!"

To honor the man who has contributed so much to space exploration and the world, The Planetary Society is collecting birthday greetings. The Society will present a giant birthday card to Buzz, that conveys the good wishes and thanks of thousands of people, who have been inspired by his achievements and lifetime of space advocacy.

"Many have promised the Moon. You delivered it."

To date, The Planetary Society has gathered over 6,000 messages from well-wishers in 85 countries. One parent sent a message from his sons, aged 3 and 5, named Armstrong and Aldrin. Others recounted their joy in meeting Buzz at one of his many public appearances through the years.

"Happy Birthday from an 11-year old fan! You signed my book in Pasadena, CA and I will always keep it! You are my hero!"

Many recalled the moment they watched the first humans step foot on another world.

"When I was 8, our teacher allowed us to watch the Apollo 11 moon landing on a B&W TV in the grade school cafeteria. We all clapped and shouted when the lunar module touched down. In 2010, we're all still clapping and shouting! Happy 80th Birthday!"

But perhaps the most poignant was the simple question from a man in Indonesia:

"When will you go again?"

There is still time for people to send their birthday greetings to Buzz. Messages will be collected until Thursday, January 21, 2010.

posted 01-19-2010 10:14 AM               

Send Your 'Happy Birthday' Wishes to Buzz

It's another historic event. On January 20th, 2010, astronaut Buzz Aldrin turns 80 years old.

To wish our very own Rocket Hero, who continues to contribute so much to space exploration and the world, we will be presenting Buzz Aldrin with a giant silicon disc in commemoration of the one that he originally left on the Moon.

This disc will include all of the birthday wishes that people like you leave as we recall all of the goodwill messages that were left on the original disc.

The Rocket Hero Team will deliver the 80th birthday disc to Buzz at his official birthday celebration!

posted 01-21-2010 07:05 PM               

This 80th birthday on this wonderful planet put much greater meaning to the phrase "4 score years" of being very fortunate in the opportunities that have come my way. And because of those opportunities so many of you have sent me very best wishes and for that I heartily thank you.

I actually have had 3 days of celebrations starting on Tues, Jan 19th on board the National Geographic Explorer in Ushuaia, Argentina, our last night on the ship following a wonderful Lindblad excursion to a record distance south of the Antarctic Circle. I now have great memories of penguins, seals and icebergs.

My actual birthday was spent touring a dismal Argentine military prison. This was followed by flights to Santiago and finally a departure for home just before midnight.

However, so many of my best wishes came in on my 3rd day of my birthday when I returned to the US. The celebrations continue this week when on Friday my good friend John Travolta will present me with the "First Out of This World Landing and Take-Off Award" at the Living Legends of Aviation Awards.

On Saturday the Planetary Society is holding a private luncheon in honor of my birthday and on Saturday night I will be at a dinner gathering with my family members coming from all over the country. Now that I'm 80 I've decided I'm going to stretch my birthday out a few more days.

posted 01-20-2015 09:32 AM               

Aldrin celebrated last night with his family and friends at Spago in Los Angeles.

TIME magazine has paid its own tribute with a photo gallery: Buzz Aldrin Turns 85: A Look Back at a Remarkable Life

The second man on the moon has lived large — and is still at it. Here's a peek at what it's like to be Buzz.