Astronaut Frank Borman’s Apollo 8 Mission Remains An American Genesis
Frank Borman, a remarkable individual who passed away at the age of 95 last Tuesday, had an extraordinary career that spanned decades. After graduating from West Point and serving in the Air Force for twelve years, he joined the astronaut corps in 1962.
Following the tragic Apollo 1 launch fire that claimed the lives of three astronauts, Borman played a crucial role as the sole astronaut member of the review board. He insisted on implementing critical changes that helped get the ”race to the Moon” back on track. After his time in the astronaut corps, he became the CEO of Eastern Air Lines for over ten years.
However, it was one particular event that truly solidified Frank Borman’s place in history.
55 years ago, on Christmas Eve, he took part in a broadcast that captivated the world. Even today, amidst the chaos and challenges we face, the spirit of that moment remains inspiring and reminds us of what truly matters.
Begin at the Beginning
“Say something appropriate.”
This was the only instruction given by NASA official Julian Scheer to Borman when he informed him that their Christmas Eve broadcast from lunar orbit would likely have the largest television audience in human history.
Initially, Borman was hesitant to bring cameras on board the Apollo 8 spacecraft, considering it a distraction from the mission. However, as he later realized, “the American people deserved to see what they were getting for their money.” He was overruled, and rightfully so.
During their training for the mission, Borman sought advice from Sy Bourgin, an official with the U.S. Information Agency. Bourgin consulted United Press reporter Joe Laitin, who in turn asked his wife for suggestions. Through this chain of communication, they arrived at an inspired choice that managed to avoid bureaucratic interference.
Thus, the Apollo 8 astronauts began their Christmas Eve broadcast by reading from Genesis 1:
The reading from the book of Genesis moved not only Borman’s wife, Susan, but also countless others. Bill Anders, who initiated the reading, expressed that it was a profound moment that emphasized the significance of humanity’s first departure from Earth. Borman humorously remarked that the true miracle was convincing Anders, who was raised Catholic, to read from the King James Bible.
The broadcast made a tremendous impact. In the final week of 1968, the Associated Press had to conduct a second ballot for its story of the year, and Apollo 8 surpassed the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy to claim the top spot.
Another famous telegram sent to the astronauts succinctly stated, “You saved 1968.”
Man’s Better Angels
In light of Frank Borman’s passing, it is essential for our nation and the world to remember the message broadcasted from Apollo 8. Today, just as back then, internal conflicts and external wars have drained America’s vitality and the energy of the free world. However, by focusing on a greater purpose, whether religious or simply marveling at the vastness of the universe, we can gain perspective on our daily disputes.
The iconic “Earthrise” photograph taken by Anders during the Apollo 8 mission also conveys this message, reminding us of the fragility of our existence in the vastness of space.
The Christmas Eve broadcast of Apollo 8 echoed the deep-rooted American traditions that predate the nation’s founding. In 1630, Massachusetts Gov. John Winthrop referred to his colony as a “city upon a hill,” a motif that Ronald Reagan repeatedly invoked during his presidency. The Apollo 8 broadcast embodied this same motif, as astronauts Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders chose to pray and include as many people as possible in their message instead of boasting about their achievements. Frank Borman’s example and lesson remain relevant for all Americans today.
Let us strive to follow in his footsteps.
rnrn
What role did Frank Borman play in the Apollo 1 launch fire and its aftermath?
Frank Borman: A Remarkable Individual and Historic Figure
Frank Borman, a remarkable individual who passed away at the age of 95 last Tuesday, had an extraordinary career that spanned decades. After graduating from West Point and serving in the Air Force for twelve years, he joined the astronaut corps in 1962.
Following the tragic Apollo 1 launch fire that claimed the lives of three astronauts, Borman played a crucial role as the sole astronaut member of the review board. He insisted on implementing critical changes that helped get the “race to the Moon” back on track. After his time in the astronaut corps, he became the CEO of Eastern Air Lines for over ten years.
However, it was one particular event that truly solidified Frank Borman’s place in history. 55 years ago, on Christmas Eve, he took part in a broadcast that captivated the world. Even today, amidst the chaos and challenges we face, the spirit of that moment remains inspiring and reminds us of what truly matters.
“Say something appropriate.”
This was the only instruction given by NASA official Julian Scheer to Borman when he informed him that their Christmas Eve broadcast from lunar orbit would likely have the largest television audience in human history.
Initially, Borman was hesitant to bring cameras on board the Apollo 8 spacecraft, considering it a distraction from the mission. However, as he later realized, “the American people deserved to see what they were getting for their money.” He was overruled, and rightfully so.
During their training for the mission, Borman sought advice from Sy Bourgin, an official with the U.S. Information Agency. Bourgin consulted United Press reporter Joe Laitin, who in turn asked his wife for suggestions. Through this chain of communication, they arrived at an inspired choice that managed to avoid bureaucratic interference.
Thus, the Apollo 8 astronauts began their Christmas Eve broadcast by reading from Genesis 1:
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
The reading from the book of Genesis moved not only Borman’s wife, Susan, but also countless others. Bill Anders, who initiated the reading, expressed that it was a profound moment that emphasized the significance of humanity’s first departure from Earth. Borman humorously remarked that the true miracle was convincing Anders, who was raised Catholic, to read from the King James Bible.
The broadcast made a tremendous impact. In the final week of 1968, the Associated Press had to conduct a second ballot to determine the Man of the Year. Ultimately,
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