I flew to NYC with my family the week of July 20, 1969. I was ten, my sister was eight, brother was three and my mother was pregnant with their fourth child.
Yes, I was a passenger. And we got to see a bit of The Big Apple. Back then people actually gave up a seat on the subway to a pregnant woman with three little ones in tow.
Back then my brother asked in front of everyone, “Mommy, who are all these chocolate people?” and we lived to tell the tale.
That’s the story of one semi-normal American family living the dream flying for the first time as passengers.
Another flier that week was Neil Armstrong who made world history as the first human to set foot on the moon. I was awake and saw it, it was magnificent. Even then, at age ten, I knew that history was made.
I will not detail his storied career here, but will take this chance to give condolences to his family and friends.
Back then, what I had, my first trip on a plane and visit to a big city, was immediately eclipsed, in a good way and I’ve remembered that day, my sister’s birthday, all these years.
I also remember the rumor of what Astronaut Armstrong said after the “one small step” speech. Bravo, American and world hero. You will be missed. Dee
Cooking with Dee 