It is often said that people always know where they were when significant historical events take place. That's certainly true of most people, me included. Except for the moon landing. What makes it more incredible is that I was working at NASA at the time!
I started working at there when it was still MSC (Manned Spacecraft Center). It was my first real job out of high school. I started in '66 and left in '70. Unfortunately, my husband was terminally ill and had ups and downs with his health, so the best explanation I can come up with is that the moon landing took place when he was having a medical crisis. We spent a LOT of time at the VA. Anyway, I literally have zero recollection of the moon landing!
Here's a funny twist, though. There was a concert in the Dome a few weeks later, and I do remember that. Apparently, whatever the situation was with my husband in July of 1979 had improved by August, because we attended that concern. I remember vividly Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon," a song which was originally named "In Other Words." It was a wonderful night, and we so appreciative for the recognition of our efforts.
After my husband's passing, I moved away from the NASA area. Eventually I moved back and worked in the space biz (Shuttle, MMU, Solar Max Repair Mission, EMUs, food testing) for several more years, but it was never quite as exciting as those early days.
Where were you when our astronauts landed on the moon? Did anyone here work in the space program? Are other communities observing the 50th anniversary or is it just us Houstonians who are making a big deal of it? It was somewhat a theme of tonight's Astros game, but the big celebration will be on Monday which will include MLB-approved commemorative caps. Can't wait!