The Words VP Pence Said About Apollo 11
Remarks by Vice President Pence Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing Kennedy Space Center, FL
“Apollo 11 is the only event in the 20th century that stands a chance of being widely remembered in the 30th century. A thousand years from now, July 20, 1969 will likely be a date that will live in the minds and imaginations of men and women, as long as there are men and women to remember — across this world, across this solar system, and beyond.”
Very likely among non-historians with WWII being the only other event in the running. If one looks to the 10th Century the only event a non-historian may remember is Erik the Red’s settlement of Greenland. while the only 15th Century event would be Columbus’s voyage to the New World. The various politicians we argue about will be long forgotten except to professional historians who specialize in 20th Century history. But the various settlements throughout the Solar System, and perhaps nearby star systems will all remember Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Apollo 11 and celebrate July 20th as a holiday.
You may be arguing against your own point. How many people can attach even a rough date to the settlement of Greenland, or, for that matter, Vinland? I think that is a very small number compared to the number who know the exact year of Columbus’ voyage. What if we don’t go back to the Moon, or anywhere beyond low Earth orbit, for another century or so? And then someone does in a very successful way? Does anyone celebrate Erikson Day?
We probably should replace Columbus Day with it. It was about the same time in October by tradition and the fierce resistance by the First Nations’ warriors did prevent any permanent Norse settlement outside of Greenland.
While we’re proposing perfectly logical changes which would be utterly impossible to get adopted, could I suggest units based on Babylonian astrology? The ones with all the weird factors of 12 and 60. Why not something sensible like kiloseconds? As far as holidays are concerned, I think a minimum requirement is for at least half to the population to know the name of the person honored. I don’t think Leif Erickson is up there.
Which is why I actually favor replacing it with Space Exploration Day to honor HSF, Apollo 11 and robotic space flight, Viking 1.
What about Explorers day (then it would include Columbus)