Neil Armstrong, first man on moon, dead at 82
News Stories - August 28, 2012
Questions
1. For what accomplishment is Neil Armstrong known?
2. How does his family describe Neil Armstrong?
3. How did SunTimes reporter Neil Steinberg describe Neil Armstrong?
4. What qualities did Neil Armstrong possess that caused NASA to choose him to be the first out of the lunar module?
5. Neil Armstrong did not attempt to profit from his fame. When he learned that people were selling the autographs he gave them, he stopped giving autographs. What adjective would you use to describe this reaction.
6. Read the "Background" and "Resources" below the questions. Ask a grandparent to tell you how he/she views Neil Armstrong and the moon landing. Does this information change how you view this historic event and why this man is viewed as a hero and an icon? Explain your answer.
7. Bill Johnson, a Republican congressman from Neil Armstrong's home state of Ohio, has asked President Obama to grant a state funeral for Mr. Armstrong. "I ask President Obama to hold a state funeral for Neil Armstrong so that every American may pay tribute to this groundbreaking hero," he said. "His first step on the moon showed the world that Americans can do anything."
State funerals, held in Washington DC, are usually only held for former presidents, the last being Gerald Ford in 2006. The last non-president to be granted one was Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the WWII and Korean War soldier, in 1964. Such an event typically involves pall-bearers from five branches of the US Armed Forces, a series of artillery salutes, a fly-by and a number of bands and choirs. The flag-draped coffin is taken in a horse-drawn gun-carriage and placed in the Capitol rotunda for a public viewing, and a service is held at the Washington National Cathedral.
a) Do you think Neil Armstrong should be granted a state funeral? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a grandparent the same question.
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