State Rep. Dorothy Hukill reflects: Neil Armstrong's moonwalk catalyst for own career and for countless others

NSB Mayor Adam Barringer: Astronaut's death sad, but his legacy endures

State Rep. Dorothy Hukill, Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno and New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer are among countless local leaders who appreciate the legacy Neil Armstrong leaves for the world with his passing at the age of 82, as demonstrated in Hukill's revised Facebook page cover image.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- When State Rep. Dorothy Hukill learned of astronaut Neil Armstrong's passing, she immediately changed her Facebook page to pay homage to the first human being to step foot on the moon.

For Hukill, former mayor Armstrong's 1969 historic footprint on to the lunar surface encouraged her as a young woman to seek out a career in public service. New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer was a mere toddler then. 

"Today we mourn the passing of a true American hero, Neil Armstrong," Hukill wrote Saturday night in an e-mail to Headline Surfer. "I can clearly remember watching the grainy black-and-white images from his incredible moon walk on our TV. Armstrong is a testament to American courage, ingenuity and perseverance. He will be missed."

Barringer agreed, saying, "While his death was tragic, Neil Armstrong was a great American. His memory will live on for generations: The first human being to walk on the moon. It's incredible what he accomplished."

Barringer agreed, saying, "While his death was tragic, Neil Armstrong was a great American. His memory will live on for generations: The first human being to walk on the moon. It's incredible what he accomplished."

For Hukill, former Port Orange Republican mayor, now running for the newly created dist. 8 State Senate seat against Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno, Armstrong's determination served as a catalyst for her own career path.

Hukill remembers as shown with this vintage photo on her Facebook page: Appollo 11 celebration Parade, NYC September 1969, In honor of Neil Armstong, 1930-2012 (NYC archive photo)

Armstrong is a testament to American courage, ingenuity and perseverance," Hukill said. "He will be missed."

Armstrong is a testament to American courage, ingenuity and perseverance," Hukill said. "He will be missed."

Bruno, the Democrat, said he, too, was mesmerized by Armstrong's historic walk, which spurred many Americans at that time to take stock in who they were and where they wanted to go with their lives.

"Seeing Neil Armstrong climb down after the landing and step onto the moon surface made us feel very proud," Bruno said. "My wife and I took pictures on a black and white TV with round screen." 

Mary Bruno said she distinctly remembers the grainy image of Armstrong making those first steps on the lunar surface and what the world heard on the television: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

"I had graduated from college, Frank and I were just married," she said. "Seeing Neil Armstrong climbing down, we were very proud. I'm sure we cried."

FAST FACTS

20th Century giant: The phrase Neil Armstrong uttered as he stepped onto the surface of the moon, “That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind,” became iconic. A statement released by Armstrong’s family reads, “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.” 

Here are links on space travel:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Armstrong

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/1969/12/moon-landing/moon-audio-interactive 

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/1969/12/moon-landing/astronauts-text

http://www.fogonazos.es/2007/11/top-10-coolest-facts-about-space.html

http://www.history.com/topics/space-race

http://www.nasa.gov/missions/past/index.html

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