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August 4, 2010
Ok, it’s July 20th, 1969 and America had finally realized JFK’s dream and commitment that we would land a man on the moon and return him safely within the decade of the 60s. Everybody remembers Neil Armstrong’s first few steps, and his famous first few words. (Although there is still some controversy as to the actual words he used, even when listening to the audio tape). Neil was pioneering the manned lunar exploration era. He became synonymous with the space program and his role became one of leadership and understanding.
Eighteen minutes later, Buzz Aldrin walked down the same ladder and walked on the same landscape, ultimately uttering the words, “Beautiful, beautiful. Magnificent desolation.” Buzz was walking the exact same steps but was doing so in the context of Neil’s 18-minute old path. Who remembers this detail about Buzz (not just his fun name, but the fact that he was the second person to walk on the moon)?
Very few people do. In fact, in every new adventure mankind has embarked upon, it is the pioneers that are remembered. The first one to do something. The leaders who take ownership and set direction. Ultimately these pioneers are the leaders who set the tone in which all others must operate.