JFK SETS GOAL OF LANDING MAN ON MOON IN THIS DECADE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy set the goal of the United States of America landing a man on the moon "before this decade is out."
The President's initiative was part of his address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol here in Washington. JFK referred to it as his "second State of the Union message."
President Kennedy said...
"Now it is time for this nation to take...a leading role in space achievement."
JFK admitted that the USA was currently behind of the USSR in the space race* and offered no guarantee that we would overtake them. Nevertheless, the President declared...
"Any failure to make this effort will make us last."
space race (1955-1975) competition between the United States & the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to achieve superiority in spaceflight capability.
JFK+50 NOTE
Twelve men have landed on the Moon (1969-1972) with Neil Armstrong being the first on July 20, 1969. The United States is the only nation to have conducted successful manned missions to the Moon.
SOURCE
"May 25, 1961," JFK's Moon Shot Speech to Congress," www.space.com/
