Astronaut Michael Collins, who remained in lunar orbit while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon, led prayers during Armstrong’s memorial service at Washington National Cathedral Thursday. He thanked God “for your servant Neil Armstrong, who with courage and humility first set foot upon the moon. Following his example, save us from arrogance, lest we forget that our achievements are grounded in you; and by the grace of your Holy Spirit, protect our travels beyond the reaches of the earth, that we may glory ever more in the wonder of your creation.”
In her homily, Washington Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde said that most people assumed that Armstrong’s “burning-bush” moment was the two-and-a-half hours he spent on the moon.
However, she said, Armstrong tended to downplay that experience and worked “for the survival of the only planet we human beings call home.”
Read the full account of today’s service from Mary Frances Schjonberg of Episcopal News Service. Video webcast of the service is at this link.