... returning him safely to the earth.

First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.

      - President John F. Kennedy

      From a speech to a joint session of Congress

      May 25, 1961

Forty years ago, 24 July 1969, with the safe return of the Apollo 11 crew, this vision was realized. Because, after all, the mission isn't successful until the astronauts are back safely.

I am in awe of this accomplishment. (Photo from NASA.)