As
we sit at the precipice of a new era of
exploration, I thought it appropriate
to revisit the original inspiration and
rationale for the first lunar exploration
program as so eloquently stated by John
F. Kennedy. The original speech by JFK
was held in Houston, TX at the Rice Stadium
in the fall of 1962.
"Many years ago the great British
explorer George Mallory, who was to die
on Mount Everest, was asked why did he
want to climb it. He said, 'Because it
is there.' Well, space is there, and we're
going to climb it, and the moon and the
planets are there, and new hopes for knowledge
and peace are there. And, therefore, as
we set sail we ask God's blessing on the
most hazardous and dangerous and greatest
adventure on which man has ever embarked."
-John F. Kennedy, Rice University, Sept.
12, 1962 |
