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For Immediate Release
July 17, 2009
AFA Celebrates 40 Years since Moon Landing: ‘Giant Leap’ for Aerospace
Arlington, VA – The Air Force Association (AFA) today released the following statement in recognition of the 40th Anniversary of the landing on the Moon, Monday, July 20, and this achievement’s vital importance to aerospace development.
“Reaching the Moon and returning safely was an incredible moment in our nation’s history and our technological advancement. It was a triumph for the nation early in the Cold War, with far-reaching meaning. We remember this day – 40 years ago – with great pride in our national accomplishment.
“It is also a reminder of the current importance of aerospace technologies in our nation’s defense and prosperity. The United States Air Force has an active presence in Space today, based in part on the monumental achievement of the Moon landing four decades ago. There is a space-based system involved in every major operation undertaken by our Armed Forces. From Space, we monitor weather, track the enemy, get precise positioning and ensure instant communications. That is the legacy of a half-century of Air Force efforts in space. Beyond that, there are a host of commercial applications and scientific experiments based on our nation’s presence beyond our atmosphere, all important to our future. The triumph of the Moon landing 40 years ago is a great reminder of the strategic importance of our aging assets in Space. Today, the United States is without peer in Space. To preserve our leadership role in Space, we must continue to forge ahead in aerospace development.”
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The AFA is a 501(C)(3), nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has more than 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing 125,000 members. Visit AFA www.AFA.org.
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