Apollo 11 Address Joint Session of Congress after Historic Flight

Speaker John McCormack of Massachusetts introduced the Apollo 11 crew members before a Joint Meeting of Congress. The moment marked the culmination of a determined American effort to defeat the Soviet Union in a “space race” that began with the launch of Sputnik by the Soviets in 1957. “We are honoring today three men who represent the best in America and whose coordinated skill, fantastic daring, and visionary drive have made history that constitutes a turning point of paramount importance in the journey of mankind,” Speaker McCormack proclaimed. Each astronaut—Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Michael Collins—addressed the enthusiastic audience about their successful moon landing on July 20, 1969. Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, acknowledged the role of the House and Senate in the successful mission. “It was here, in these Halls that our venture really began”—a reference to the legislation that established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the funding of the space program by Congress. Before the conclusion of the meeting, the honorees presented Speaker McCormack and Vice President Spiro Agnew with two American flags that had flown over the respective chambers before being brought onto the moon.

[oscarin]

This is great! Thank you very much, I have been looking for this for quite a time. Arguably one of the best moments of the crew. Very articulate and much of what was said can also be applied today. Collins' speech was my favourite.

[endertony]

This is a wonderful video!
Thank you so much for share it! ^^

[zachesherman]

Seeing Speaker McCormack looking as pale as he was with his mouth half open, I was kind of concerned he wasn't OK.

[KCMFCs]

Any chance you could upload the joint session of congress' for Apollos 8 and 17 as well?

[pinedelgado]

Thank you for posting and thank you Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins!! Your feat will never be forgotten as long as mankind is in existence!! :) :)

[sharifhossain]

RIP Legends (genius)! Their job greatfully done. But Michael Collins doing exceptional. That mission was successful mostly three person and mission crew members (mission control team)with specially Collins.

[pookymartin]

Great men! Thanks. Miss you Neil and Collins

[allgood]

Wow!.. a bit of history there.. Buzz Aldrin spoke for an hour here in NZ in 2010 about his experiences ON the Moon.. RIP Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins.. thanks from NZ 🇳🇿

[MexAm]

I was a young girl when they made these speeches. They were my first crushes.😍

[joehimes]

Holy crap. They made Michael Collins sit over by himself. He can't get a break even back on earth. However, you notice that he is a the best speaker.

[pookymartin]

Neil was a gentleman, Collins n Aldrin as well

[carloseduardo-olheparacima]

HALLELUYA, YAUSHA é o MESSIAS é o SALVADOR, YAUH te abençoe.

[joescuteri]

Makes me cry when i think what America is becoming since then 😞

[robst]

Excellent, eloquent and inspiring speeches from three great men.

[ChrisMarasP]

Airmen ara almost always modest and simple. Not shoeing off, not impertinent. Their accomp;ishment will stay immortal.

[dcrand]

How long ago was that ? Man we should be eating fast food up there by now

[narajuna]

Dont get the feeling they are getting claps. Dont want to be there anymore than the press conferences.

[jscotty]

Wow Collins got them laughing, then a standing ovation, Buzz must be fuming he got none of those lol
If you only had a few minutes to spare on this 30 minute clip, the highlight is from 11:28 to 15:25

[rlupara]

the "flight" in hollywood....

[pasisovi]

They are not convinced by the script they read, such a lack of truthfulness.