For those around 35 years ago, a most memorable memory...(sound/picture)

[Dan Murphy]

<center>A Very Special Christmas Eve from Space

Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the Moon, entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1968. That evening, the astronauts; Commander Frank Borman, Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell, and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders did a live television broadcast from lunar orbit, in which they showed live pictures of the Earth and Moon seen from Apollo 8. Lovell said, "The vast loneliness is awe-inspiring and it makes you realize just what you have back there on Earth." They ended the broadcast with the crew taking turns reading from the book of Genesis.

I recall watching with my family that night, listening, in silence, in awe. A memory forever.

The color photograph of Earthrise - taken by Apollo 8 astronaut, William A. Anders, December 24, 1968. Although the photograph is usually mounted with the moon below the earth, this is how Anders saw it.

<img width=500 src=http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/alsj/a410/ap8-s68-50265.jpg>

James A. Lovell, Jr, William A. Anders and Frank Borman
</center>

Of all the accomplishments of Apollo 8, the one Borman recalls most fondly is what the mission did for a nation and world in serious need of good news.

"The feedback was overwhelmingly positive," he said. "1968 was a bad year -- riots, assassinations, the Vietnam war."

To the former astronaut, one telegram stood out: "Thank you, Apollo 8. You saved 1968."



<embed src=http://www.dmurphydis2.com/Music/ap8_09_Christmas_Eve.ram hidden=true autostart=TRUE height=0 width=0></EMBED>

 

[goofygirl]

Well I was KIND OF around then. (I was in the womb Dec '68, born in '69).

Thanks Dan for the story and pictures. Space travel is still so fascinating even today.

 

[korzmom]

i was only 8 years old at the time but remember the tears streaming down my moms face...its a good memory though, merry christmas!

 

[Joyce DC]

I clearly remember how relieved my family was when the space craft emerged from the dark side of the moon after having no radio contact with Earth during that time. I thought Walter Cronkite was going to have a heart attack he was so nervous. It was a very moving moment. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[NHAnn]

I was 11. Thanks for waking up that memory Dan!
And Joyce, I remember my father being as nervous as Walter Cronkite !



Hoping you all make some happy Christmas memories this season!!

 

[Poohbear123]

I was 10 Dan, thanks for the Memory. I had forgotten it was Christmas Eve!

 

[pjlla]

I don't remember it (as I was only 4), but I have heard/read about it. It gave me chills today..... Thanks for the special moment in this hectic day............P

 

[SideshowBob]

Dan,

That was just plain FANTASTIC.... thanks!!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Ah yes, remember it well! It was our first Christmas as a married couple. It was also our first Christmas away from "home" as we had moved to New York. It was such a touching moment to listen to and watch. Thanks for the memory, Dan!

 

[Melora]

I was 4 years old and even though I do remember it vividly (I can remember going outside and looking up at the moon and thinking that there were people walking around up there and wondering why I couldn't see them ) but my most vivid memory is being upset that it was prempting my cartoons and whining about it to my mom...