Where were you on 20th July 1969?
America was clinged to their TV sets, The World was watching, Humanity was taking one of its greatest steps, I wasn't even born and Neil Armstrong was on Moon!
It was a normal work day for me. After a busy rainy day, I reported for my catering job. The job schedule read that I was working at the Labmhert Statium. So I walked down wondering what sort of catering event could it be in the Athletic Stadium... I reached the Stadium, and was stunned to see the set. A jet black background had really tiny white bulbs twinkling all upto the high stadium ceiling and a golden sparkling 'Purdue' in between... candle light dinners were being set and it looked awesome below the 'nightsky'! A music crew was practicing on the stage, and some videos playing on the huge displays. I saw all this and I knew it was something really big. So I asked a guy to get this reply, 'Tonight Neil Armstrong, and his 20 astronaut friends are coming to Purdue...' I was zapped!!
I had a job to do, so couldn't get into details then. I later understood that Neil Armstrong, a Purdue Alumni was in Purdue for the inauguration of the new Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering. The next two hours went real fast. Just before doors opened, a short meeting was called to tell us not to take any autographs and be strictly professional. All we guys were students and naturally were really excited about the night.
Doors opened at 7 and in walked Purdue Alumni Astronauts, NASA scientists and big shots, friends of Purdue and their lovely Ladies! And began 'The Purdue All Stars Party!' Food was served, grilled Salmon, Chicken and Desert with smooth Trumpet playing in the background. Although I wasn't serving his table, I made it a point to go past the table in the spotlight and could see Neil really closely. We pulled out within an hour. I quickly finished cleaning the dishes and found a corner to watch the action.
President of Purdue took over the event and facts unfolded:
The first and last man on moon are from Purdue
Purdue has 22 Astronauts as its Alumni
And of course, many Purdue Graduates are in NASA
Neil Armstrong was watching the college football match between Purdue and Ohio State. Purdue won the match and impressed Neil decided to join Purdue. So, you know why Purdue's football team should be good :)
Then a video was shared. Really old university clips with Neil Armstrong and his class, the rare Apollo 11 moments, pre-launch clips etc.
After that many guest speakers spoke including the present Director of NASA. And then came the awaited moment. Mr Armstrong came on stage and I couldn't wait to know what he is going to speak. I, in my heart wanted to listen something about the moon trip, but of course that wasn't on his list. Its something he must have repeated enough times to bore him. It was the home coming weekend and he did rewind time to his college days, his buddies and how proud he was to be a Purdue Alumni. And about the journey of being a football team tailgater to ending up becoming a Statue on a pedestal in that very campus. After a humorous and inspiring speech all stood for the Purdue Anthem, 'Hail Purdue...'
Checkout the videos at:
http://www.purdue.edu/armstronghalldedication/index.php?movie=spaceconnection
The event got over and all the fine men dispersed.America was clinged to their TV sets, The World was watching, Humanity was taking one of its greatest steps, I wasn't even born and Neil Armstrong was on Moon!
It was a normal work day for me. After a busy rainy day, I reported for my catering job. The job schedule read that I was working at the Labmhert Statium. So I walked down wondering what sort of catering event could it be in the Athletic Stadium... I reached the Stadium, and was stunned to see the set. A jet black background had really tiny white bulbs twinkling all upto the high stadium ceiling and a golden sparkling 'Purdue' in between... candle light dinners were being set and it looked awesome below the 'nightsky'! A music crew was practicing on the stage, and some videos playing on the huge displays. I saw all this and I knew it was something really big. So I asked a guy to get this reply, 'Tonight Neil Armstrong, and his 20 astronaut friends are coming to Purdue...' I was zapped!!
I had a job to do, so couldn't get into details then. I later understood that Neil Armstrong, a Purdue Alumni was in Purdue for the inauguration of the new Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering. The next two hours went real fast. Just before doors opened, a short meeting was called to tell us not to take any autographs and be strictly professional. All we guys were students and naturally were really excited about the night.
Doors opened at 7 and in walked Purdue Alumni Astronauts, NASA scientists and big shots, friends of Purdue and their lovely Ladies! And began 'The Purdue All Stars Party!' Food was served, grilled Salmon, Chicken and Desert with smooth Trumpet playing in the background. Although I wasn't serving his table, I made it a point to go past the table in the spotlight and could see Neil really closely. We pulled out within an hour. I quickly finished cleaning the dishes and found a corner to watch the action.
President of Purdue took over the event and facts unfolded:
The first and last man on moon are from Purdue
Purdue has 22 Astronauts as its Alumni
And of course, many Purdue Graduates are in NASA
Neil Armstrong was watching the college football match between Purdue and Ohio State. Purdue won the match and impressed Neil decided to join Purdue. So, you know why Purdue's football team should be good :)
Then a video was shared. Really old university clips with Neil Armstrong and his class, the rare Apollo 11 moments, pre-launch clips etc.
After that many guest speakers spoke including the present Director of NASA. And then came the awaited moment. Mr Armstrong came on stage and I couldn't wait to know what he is going to speak. I, in my heart wanted to listen something about the moon trip, but of course that wasn't on his list. Its something he must have repeated enough times to bore him. It was the home coming weekend and he did rewind time to his college days, his buddies and how proud he was to be a Purdue Alumni. And about the journey of being a football team tailgater to ending up becoming a Statue on a pedestal in that very campus. After a humorous and inspiring speech all stood for the Purdue Anthem, 'Hail Purdue...'
Checkout the videos at:
http://www.purdue.edu/armstronghalldedication/index.php?movie=spaceconnection
I looked out of the window to look at the moon, it was a full moon... felt kind of weird.
This name will surely inspire people for generations to come. Inspired me tonight in some way. But more than that I felt proud to be in Purdue!
I usually hate this job of mine. But today I was feeling good about it. There was no way I could have got this opportunities otherwise.
Pictures below: (from left) Neil Armstrong's statue at the new building, Neil Armstrong himself and the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering. (click to see a bigger view)
