45 Historical Photos That Give Us a Unique Glimpse Into the Past

In 1969, Neil Armstrong, commander of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, celebrated his 39th birthday in the Crew Reception Area of the Manned Spacecraft Center’s Lunar Receiving Laboratory in Houston, Texas, just a few weeks after becoming the first man to set foot on the moon.

Armstrong’s journey to the moon was the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and sacrifice. As a young pilot, he had dreamed of soaring into the heavens and exploring the unknown. His dedication and skill led him to become one of the most accomplished and respected astronauts in the history of the space program.