Corvette Astronaut Parade Celebrating 50 Year Anniversary of the Moon Landing
Image: Hagerty.com
Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the landing on the moon. What a tremendous day in our history!
Apollo 11 launched from Cape Kennedy on July 16, 1969, carrying Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin into an initial Earth-orbit of 114 by 116 miles.
An estimated 650 million people watched Armstrong’s televised image and heard his voice describe the event as he took “…one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind” on July 20, 1969.
A week ago here in Cocoa Beach, Florida, a celebratory parade of astronauts and Corvettes was held to honor the momentous moment. Astronauts from Apollo and Space Shuttle missions were on hand in convertible Corvettes while their families rode in Teslas as a testimony to ongoing innovation and technology.
I happened to be down here a couple of days following the parade and very disappointed to have missed it. I thought I would have the chance to broadcast live for Corvette Mike but alas, no. I did at least find a great video capturing the event (see below) so those of us who weren’t there can at least get a glimpse of the hoopla that went on in Cocoa Beach last Saturday. The Space Program is near and dear to this community’s heart; the area is affectionately known as the “Space Coast”.
Having grown up as the daughter of an aerospace engineer, I’m no stranger to the excitement of launches and space exploration. I spent many summers here in Cocoa Beach while my dad worked up the road at the “Cape” on various Hughes Aircraft communication satellites. Now granted I was only two when the moon landing occurred so I can’t offer much in the way of my personal recollection of that day. My focus was more likely on getting my hands on some ice cream or the dog’s tail.
My parents recall of the days of drinking martinis with the astronauts down at the Mousetrap bar back in the 60’s and 70’s. I still remember seeing my first Shuttle launch and the chills it gave me to see it as it rocketed towards space. If you’ve ever seen a launch of any sort, it’s not something you forget.
Speaking of launches, we watched the July 18, 2019 Live Reveal of the 2020 C8 Corvette and I have to say I was really moved when they incorporated the 50th Anniversary Moon Landing with the launch of the new Vette. There might have even been a tear or two… Marketing genius if you ask me! I love that stuff. And the car itself, wow! Just wow!
So cheers to American innovation, especially in the form of space exploration and Corvettes!
Drop us a note and share your moon landing memories and your thoughts on the new Mid-Engine C8!
Best,
Laura Nowak Brown
aka @westcoastcyberchick
on behalf of the Corvette Mike Team
