R.I.P. Neil Alden Armstrong; August 5, 1930 – August 25, 2012

Very rarely do I post "rest in peace" commentary, but in this case...

The first man... the first human being... to have set foot on Earth's moon is dead.

As a young child I watched this key milestone in human history take place from a seat on the floor of my Uncle Art's and Aunt Fran's home in Mount Marian, New York.

At the time I could really have cared less... but since adulthood (or at least my version of reaching it) I've always felt immense gratitude towards the aunt and uncle made me watch history in the making at at 2:56 UTC on July 21, 1969.

The moment when Apollo 11 Mission Commander Armstrong set his foot upon the lunar surface... that split second was the summit of American power, glory, and preeminence as far as I'm concerned.

Col. Armstrong was a U.S. Navy fight pilot and Korean War veteran, an aerospace engineer, a steel-nerved test pilot, NASA astronaut, university professor, businessman, and oh... so much more.

The Armstrong Family has issued the following statement...

We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.

Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati.

He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.

As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life.

While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.

For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.

Will do.

Rest in peace.