Neil Armstrong's Birthday

Today is American astronaut Neil Armstrong's birthday. In honor of this famous astronaut's big day, we celebrate his astounding accomplishments! Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon, and there's no better way to celebrate than by studying up on this historic journey into outer space. It was July of 1969 when Armstrong famously took "one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind." His moon walk lasted two and a half hours, and was documented by only eleven pictures – most of which were taken by Armstrong himself.

Armstrong was accompanied by fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who helped Armstrong plant an American flag on the moon's surface. Shortly after planting the flag, the astronauts received a call from President Richard Nixon, who gave the entire crew the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon their return to Earth. Neil Armstrong also received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor from President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Not bad for a kid from small-town Ohio!

To celebrate today, watch a documentary about the Apollo 11 mission from the comfort of your home, or read a book about Neil Armstrong's accomplishments. The sky's the limit!