If anyone deserves it Armstrong does if its what his family wishes.
I can think of few men ever that should be Honored more than Neil Armstrong. A giant among men. A state funeral is the least we can do for the memory of such a man.
IMO, never happen, to busy dividing the country.
Obama’s into strong-arm, not Armstrong...
It’s hard to imagine Jimmy Carter deserving one if Armstong doesn’t. Carter isn’t worthy of attending Armstrong’s funeral.
Here’s an idea, why not ask the family what they want instead of some publicity-seeking congresscritter? I would agree that Armstrong deserves all the honors the country can bestow on him. But he’s spent the last 40 years avoiding the glare of the public spotlight. I doubt that he’d want to change that on his death, and his family would be the best judge of that. Ask them, and then do exactly what they suggest.
It will happen if there’s political gain for him, that’s the only consideration here.
from what i’ve read of the man, i’m fairly certain Neil wouldn’t want an overt ceremony.
of course, 0bama trotting out the coffin of the first man on the moon as he shutters NASA seems 100% accurate
If the family likes this idea, great. Otherwise, just have a special ceremony in the fall and put a plaque or a statue somewhere and let them have a private memorial.
I don’t have a problem with a state funeral for Armstrong, but I would be concerned about the precedent that would be set. Yes, I read the article. I am talking about in the future. I have NO confidence in any Democrat President to only do state funerals for exceptional people. Perhaps there is something else, short of a state funeral that could be done.
Say what you want about his ONE major accomplishment, but one mission which was pretty much based on the luck of the draw does not rate a state funeral. It’s not like he did it on his own; there were MANY people behind the scenes who should receive more credit for man walking on the moon.
If he rated a state funeral, there’d be at least 100 per year for others at least as accomplished.
Anyway, there's Generals, Heads of State and other politicians but Armstrong is perhaps above them all. He took the task and the risk of achieving man's greatest feat. He indeed deserves a State funeral and at Federal expense. This shouldn't even be questioned or argued. To those who experienced that moment in 1969 it's as clear as day and just as powerful in our memory of America's greatest Pioneer.. He raised America to her greatest sense of patriotic nationalism she's ever experienced. On par with America's triumphs in past wars, this event also symbolized the conquering of our rival, the USSR. You could feel what America did on July 29, 1969.. The pride was in the air and far away on the moon stood the most humble man that gave us this gift. He gave America one of her greatest moments. God bless Neil Armstong.
Yes, he should.
Another platform from which Obama can campaign - an opportunity to appear ‘presidential’.
If his family allowed it: I’d support his being fired off into space.
That would be really cool.
Obama will reject the wishes of the American people and Armstrong family or he will pander to their demands and exploit Armstrong for political purposes.
Obama will only buckle if he can make it an islamic funeral as part of NASAs new muslim outretch charter.
In a statement released on Saturday, his family paid tribute to “a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job.”
“While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.
“For those who may ask what they can do to honour Neil, we have a simple request. Honour his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”