Letter to the editor: Recalling unity of the Apollo moon landing

In 1963 in an interview with Life Magazine, Jackie Kennedy quoted a line from her late husband President Kennedy’s favorite musical: “… ‘Don’t let it be forgot that once there was a spot for one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot’.” She concluded by saying it would never be the same.

It seemed her words would be prophetic as the decade of the ’60s was one of the most divisive and violent in our history. Yet for four days, from lift-off on July 20 to splash-down on July 24, we had that shining moment. With the Apollo moon landing, which we celebrate this week, we put aside our differences. We were just Americans. We stood united and proud. What many people believed was an impossible task, we accomplished. Working together with a common goal, regardless of race, color or creed, the impossible became possible. The next time we came together in that way sadly was that tragic September day in 2001.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, let us learn from the past. Let not tragedy unite us. Let it be achievements that unite us. Let it be that we have learned that when we put aside our political differences, when we work together as a people regardless of race, color or creed, the impossible can become possible.

Yes, let us hope and pray that there are many shining moments left for us to celebrate as a nation As Americans.

Kurt Karafinski

Shaler