Tragic to hear of Michael Collins passing. RIP a brave hero!

 

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air…

Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew –
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

EDIT: John Gillespie Magee

Never meant to leave the author off the post.

 

I just read this on the BBC website.

Switching back to the Speedmaster.

What a journey!

 

John Gillespie Magee

One of the lesser known war poets, and a tragic end...

 

I've read a number of the books by the Apollo astronauts and ground crews. Collins' "Carrying the Fire" is one of my favorites.

 

I had to memorize this quote at the Air Force Academy...brought back memories!

RIP to Mr. Collins...a true icon...

 

Yes,

A very sad Day ! A great Pioneer of Mankind has done its Duty.
Proud to keep a part of his story and some great Moments alive
by wearing a Speedy on my wrist.

Rest in Peace.
Hans

 

I wish I had gotten to meet him. While not one of the more public figures, compared to Buzz, etc... he was one of the more interesting to me. The moment he must have experienced as he viewed the earth and the lunar module, as it separated, knowing he was profoundly alone must have been amazing.

I am glad that I was able to get him ($$) to autograph my brand new speedmaster a few years ago...

Eric