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. If you have any photos from parties or celebrations from 50 years ago, we would appreciate you sharing those with us.
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.