Tribute to Neil Armstrong

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

I just couldn't miss the opportunity to pay tribute to someone who remains so prominent in my memories as a young girl.

I've read survey after survey asking the most memorable historical events in people's lives, and I can't think of any that didn't include some variation of "man walking on the moon". It's one of those events where you remember the exact thing you were doing when the marvelous invention called television broadcast man's first walk on the moon. You remembered where you were, who you were with, and many details that are etched into your memory. Very few events can do that.

Neil Armstrong
Photo Credit: answers.com

But beyond that, it's amazing to think of the amazing contribution of selflessness that Neil Armstrong showed as he united a nation in it's moment of glory. The words he used, "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind", allowed people for a time, to forget color, age, sex and the other differences that more often than not discriminate and segregate us as people. He never held out the accomplishment as something that "he" did, it was always what "we" as a people did, and it was all done without any notion of "political correctness" that permeates everything we see and hear nowadays.

Even beyond that, I believe that Neil Armstrong's accomplishments helped to propel an entire generation into inventiveness and ingenuity. Where going to the moon for years was looked upon as a pipe dream, it had become a reality. So, for the dreamers who had ideas, they found courage to make those dreams a reality. The things we have learned from NASA's space program, and the products and inventions that have come as a direct result of the program are too numerous to mention, and I don't want to dilute the purpose of this tribute. I believe that you'll probably find that there are inventions and improvements within the automotive industry that were influenced by and/or made possible from man's journey to the moon.

It's a very sad time in the loss of  Neil Armstrong. I will not forget his spirit and his contributions to us all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.