What were you doing 50 years ago when men first set foot on the moon?
The Sealy News is working on a special edition of the newspaper in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing on July 20 when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made their historic first steps on the lunar surface. We are asking readers who were around during that momentous event in 1969 to share their stories and memories with us. If anyone here worked for NASA or had relatives who worked in the space program, the newspaper would like to hear about that as well.
For those who are not old enough to remember that day (and even those who are), we invite you to share with us your thoughts about humans going back to the moon by 2024.
Please email your comments to editor@sealynews.com no later than Friday, July 5. If you have any photos from parties or celebrations from 50 years ago, we would appreciate you sharing those with us.

Celebrate with NASA
In the meantime, for those interested in celebrating the 50-year milestone, Space Center Houston has several special events planned.
Experience celebration complete with an array of space-themed events launching the anniversary of the Apollo 11 liftoff on July 16 through the mission’s conclusion when the astronauts safely splashed down back on Earth on July 24. The leading science and space exploration learning center will provide Apollo 11-themed Pop-Up Science Labs, Mission Briefings on the Apollo 11 mission and special NASA Tram Tours featuring the restored Apollo Mission Control Center, daily July 16-24.
Each day of the celebration highlights something unique, making Space Center Houston the best place to experience lunar celebrations. Space Center Houston’s lunar event schedule includes:
Lunch with Apollo Flight Controllers, July 16. Attendees will be seated to enjoy a catered lunch with an Apollo-era flight controller. Learn about their experiences, memories and learnings.
Lunch with the Children of Apollo, July 18. Dine in style while enjoying a panel discussion featuring children of Apollo-era astronauts and flight controllers sharing memories and reflecting on their experiences growing up with fathers who played pivotal roles in the Apollo-era mission. The panel will include Jeff and Barbara Lovell, Amy Bean, Tracy Cernan Woolie and Gwen Griffin (moderator).
Space on Screen with Dinner: “Armstrong,” July 18. A new dramatic, moving and deeply human documentary, “Armstrong” offers the definitive life story of Neil Armstrong: from his childhood in Ohio to his first steps on the Moon and beyond, using home videos shot by the man himself and unseen footage from NASA.
Lessons from Mission Control, July 19. Legendary NASA flight director Gene Kranz will provide a special talk after a plated dinner reflecting on the creation of the Apollo Mission Control Center and its historic significance during the Apollo 11 landing.
Apollo 11 50th Live at Space Center Houston, July 20. The celebrations will include a countdown to Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the Moon at 9:56 p.m. CST, late night NASA Tram Tours to Rocket Park and Apollo Mission Control Center, notable speakers, book signings, an outdoor festival with a concert, a family STEM zone and more! VIP packages will be available, and a special ticket will be required for all visitors on this day. General admission tickets are not valid on July 20, 2019.
Lunch with Apollo Flight Controllers, July 24. Attendees will be seated to enjoy a catered lunch with an Apollo-era flight controller. Learn about their experiences, memories and learnings.
Apollo 11 Mission Splashdown Party, July 24. Experience a 1960s-themed evening bash with live music and activities surrounded by Space Center Houston’s extensive collection of Apollo-era artifacts, as well as lots of interactive exhibits and activities featuring the exciting present and future of human space exploration.
Tickets for Space Center Houston’s Apollo 11 50th Live, presented by JSC Federal Credit Union, went on sale May 24. Visit spacecenter.org for more information about the activities and hours of operation during this special period. Be a part of the celebration. Join the conversation, use #ApolloHOU.

Houston First Launches Apollo 11 Anniversary Celebration
“Space City Month” to feature a series of special offers and events throughout July
Fifty years ago, Apollo 11 successfully landed on the moon, achieving what many call the most daring and distinguished space adventure of its time. For the last 50 years, the lunar landing has remained one of history’s most iconic and inspirational events. Join Houston First, Corp. (HFC) in commemorating this extraordinary anniversary with special offers from participating partners and city-wide celebrations. The festivities kick off at the CITGO Freedom Over Texas event on July 4.
“Space City is the hub for inspiration and innovation,” said Brenda Bazan, the President and CEO of Houston First Corporation. “The Apollo 11 landing solidified Houston’s place in history and the 50th anniversary is deserving of an unforgettable, city-wide-celebration.”
Houston First has partnered with Houston-area hotels, restaurants, retailers and more to offer spaced-themed hotel packages, menus, specialty-cocktails, events and activities throughout the month of July. From the Marriott Marquis “Mission to the Moon” package and the Post Oak Hotel “Out of this World” package, the “Jet-fueled” cocktails at Brennan’s of Houston and Treebeard’s moon pie dessert, to the Zero Gravity Hip Hop Class at Love Dance Houston and tours of the newly restored Apollo 11 Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center, Space City Month will offer an opportunity to celebrate the moon landing and rediscover the city that paved the way for countless technologic innovations.
On July 20, the actual Apollo 11 moon landing anniversary, a series of regional celebrations will take place, providing an opportunity for those communities and visitors to participate in a coordinated thematic event beginning at 4:18 pm with a countdown to the words, “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” Participating communities include The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Deer Park, Baytown, Conroe, Tomball and Galveston, along with Discovery Green, River Oaks District, Brazosport Planetarium and NASA/Space Center.
For more information about Space City Month events, and a listing of partners and their offerings, please visit www.visithoustontexas.com/spacecity.