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  Walter Cronkite, news anchor (1916-2009) (Page 1)

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Author Topic:   Walter Cronkite, news anchor (1916-2009)
Robert Pearlman
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posted 07-17-2009 07:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE
Veteran anchor Walter Cronkite dies at 92

Veteran television news anchor Walter Cronkite, who chronicled the rise of the American space program and in particular, the success of the first manned moon landing in 1969, died Friday (July 17) at age 92.

From the beginning of America's manned space program to the age of the space shuttle, Walter Cronkite anchored CBS Evening News. Already a veteran journalist before coming to network news, Cronkite anchored the launch of Apollo 11, shouting "go, baby, go" as it rocketed into space. His marathon, live coverage of the first moon landing brought the excitement and impact of the historic event into the homes of millions of Americans and observers around the world, spending 27 of the next 30 hours on the air.

A moment of silence can be signified by a reply with no words and only a period.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 07-17-2009 07:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
NASA release
NASA Mourns the Death of Walter Cronkite

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden on the death of veteran journalist Walter Cronkite.

"It is with great sadness that the NASA family learned of Walter Cronkite's passing. He led the transition from print and radio reporting to the juggernaut that became television journalism. His insight and integrity were unparalleled, and his compassion helped America make it through some of the most tragic and trying times of the 20th century.

"From the earliest days of the space program, Walter brought the excitement, the drama and the achievements of space flight directly into our homes. But it was the conquest of the moon in the late 1960s that energized Walter most about exploration. He called it the most important feat of all time and said that the success of Apollo 11 would be remembered 500 years from now as humanity's greatest achievement.

"It was Walter Cronkite's impassioned reporting on America's inaugural moon landing that inspired me to join in the dreams of many to travel to space and accept the risks that this exploration brings while I was a student in naval flight training.

"In honor of his ethical and enthusiastic coverage of our nations' space program, NASA was proud to honor Walter in 2006 with an Ambassador of Exploration Award and presented him with an Apollo lunar sample.

"For decades, we had the privilege of learning about our world from the original 'anchorman.' He was a true gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with Walter's family and his millions of friends and supporters."


Photo credit: Retro Space Images

Robert Pearlman
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From: Houston, TX
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posted 07-17-2009 07:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
NASA release
Neil Armstrong Statement on the Death of Walter Cronkite

The following is a statement issued by Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong on the death of Walter Cronkite.

"For a news analyst and reporter of the happenings of the day to be successful, he or she needs three things: accuracy, timeliness, and the trust of the audience. Many are fortunate to have the first two. The trust of the audience must be earned.

"Walter Cronkite seemed to enjoy the highest of ratings. He had a passion for human space exploration, an enthusiasm that was contagious, and the trust of his audience. He will be missed."


Photo credit: Retro Space Images

JPSastro
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posted 07-17-2009 07:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for JPSastro   Click Here to Email JPSastro     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Rest in peace... thanks for you service.

stsmithva
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posted 07-17-2009 07:38 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for stsmithva   Click Here to Email stsmithva     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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Space Emblem Art
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posted 07-17-2009 07:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Space Emblem Art   Click Here to Email Space Emblem Art     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks for being there during my youth Walter.

alanh_7
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posted 07-17-2009 07:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for alanh_7   Click Here to Email alanh_7     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
A sad day.

"He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again."

Mike Z
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posted 07-17-2009 07:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Mike Z   Click Here to Email Mike Z     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I am so sorry to say that legendary Walter Cronkite has died at age 92. It's especially sad that he passed during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Apollo which he loved so much. My prayers go out to his family and friends. God bless you Mr. Cronkite. The world will miss you but we all are richer that we had you.

Delta7
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posted 07-17-2009 07:51 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Delta7   Click Here to Email Delta7     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
"And that's the way it was."

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Orthon
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posted 07-17-2009 07:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Orthon   Click Here to Email Orthon     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Very sad. Rest in peace Walter. Thank you for your excellent space coverage.

ejectr
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posted 07-17-2009 07:58 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ejectr   Click Here to Email ejectr     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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history in miniature
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posted 07-17-2009 08:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for history in miniature   Click Here to Email history in miniature     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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jasonelam
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posted 07-17-2009 08:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for jasonelam   Click Here to Email jasonelam     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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E2M Lem Man
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posted 07-17-2009 08:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for E2M Lem Man   Click Here to Email E2M Lem Man     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
So many things weren't true until we heard Walter Cronkite say they were true. Thanks, Walter, as you were after the landing... "speechless".

You made these real because "You were there" and we believed because you were the everyman.

buckeyecal
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posted 07-17-2009 08:47 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for buckeyecal   Click Here to Email buckeyecal     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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MarylandSpace
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posted 07-17-2009 08:58 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MarylandSpace   Click Here to Email MarylandSpace     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I just loved his voice and his passion for his work.

I watch the CBS News frequently as he introduces Katie Couric.

Nobody does it better.

ea757grrl
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posted 07-17-2009 09:12 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ea757grrl   Click Here to Email ea757grrl     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I knew this was coming, but it doesn't make it hurt any less. I'd hoped he'd find a way to be around forever. On the other hand, I couldn't help thinking tonight that he and Wally Schirra are now teamed back up again, just in time for the 40th anniversary of the first lunar landing.

Rest well, Uncle Walter. You had an awful lot to do with why I chose the profession I did. Thank you.

KSCartist
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posted 07-17-2009 09:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for KSCartist   Click Here to Email KSCartist     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I had the honor to meet Mr. Cronkite after the AHOF Induction Ceremony for the Apollo Astronauts on October 4, 1997. He was there to emcee the event. I only spent a couple of minutes talking with him as there were others vying for his attention.

I thanked him for taking me to the Moon. The gentleman that he was - he seemed genuinely pleased that I admired his work and wanted to meet him.

Years later I remember that he applied to be the first journalist in space - a program that was canceled after the Challenger tragedy. I still remember the LIFE Magazine with his photo in the NASA blue flight suit looking like someone with the Right Stuff as well. Uncle Walter- you finally made it.

God Bless you Mr. Cronkite, and thank you.

Michael Ritter
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posted 07-17-2009 09:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Michael Ritter   Click Here to Email Michael Ritter     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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DChudwin
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posted 07-17-2009 09:35 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for DChudwin   Click Here to Email DChudwin     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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SpaceAholic
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posted 07-17-2009 09:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceAholic   Click Here to Email SpaceAholic     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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ringo67
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posted 07-17-2009 09:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ringo67   Click Here to Email ringo67     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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Hart Sastrowardoyo
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posted 07-17-2009 09:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
It should be noted that Cronkite was one of the 40 semifinalists in the Journalist-in-Space program; now he is finally seeing the Earth from on high (and probably reporting on a different moonwalk than he anticipated!)

By coincidence, I met Cronkite at an Explorers Club dinner a few years ago in NYC - one in which I got to see and hear Neil Armstrong speak.

bruce
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posted 07-17-2009 09:53 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for bruce   Click Here to Email bruce     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I watched Walter Cronkite and Wally Schirra during Apollo 11's lunar landing on TV with my uncle who had worked with Tom Kelly's group at Grumman on the LM. I'll be heading to my uncle's grave site this weekend with a few of his Apollo mementos. No doubt Cronkite will be on my mind as well.

Thanks Uncle Milton and thanks Uncle Walter for giving us "the way it was".

dss65
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posted 07-17-2009 10:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for dss65   Click Here to Email dss65     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
In no small sense, the most exciting time in my life — and possibly in all of human history — will always be remembered in the unforgettable voice and eloquence of this remarkable man. What a loss for all of us. May you rest in peace, sir.

Jay Chladek
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posted 07-17-2009 10:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jay Chladek   Click Here to Email Jay Chladek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
In a sense Walter will live forever as long as humans have some form of a video presentation media. He is part of the public record now.

In my own case, I was too young to remember the Apollo missions, even though I was on this earth for the last four of them. But, I certainly did grow up in my formative years with Walter on the CBS Evening News. Even to a child, he was easy to understand when he reported on world events. I never can fully remember who the other news anchors were in the 1970s, but Walter Cronkite was a household name. When Walter left the news in 1981, I tuned in to watch all the episodes of "Walter Cronkite's Universe" as it sort of opened my eyes to science and made it cool. Too bad the execs at CBS didn't opt to continue it much past a season or two.

As such, even though I wasn't around for Apollo 11, Walter does still provide a point of context and reference to that moment based on what experiences I do have of him. He IS something I am familiar with. As such, I can relate to the emotions he and Wally experienced and expressed to get a sense of what I perceive it was like.

I don't think there will ever be another TV anchorman quite like Cronkite ever again. But I don't look to his passing with sadness. More a sense of thanks for what he gave to us during a portion of the 92 years he was on this Earth telling it "...the way it is."

Godspeed Walter and good luck. By the way, when you get to the pearly gates and see Wally standing there, ask if he is a turtle to see what St. Peter's reaction is.

Rick
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posted 07-17-2009 10:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick   Click Here to Email Rick     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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Moonwalker1954
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posted 07-17-2009 10:53 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Moonwalker1954   Click Here to Email Moonwalker1954     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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Michael Clemente
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posted 07-17-2009 11:00 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Michael Clemente   Click Here to Email Michael Clemente     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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Paul23
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posted 07-17-2009 11:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Paul23   Click Here to Email Paul23     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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tedc
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posted 07-17-2009 11:12 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for tedc   Click Here to Email tedc     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
A class act. RIP.

Rick Boos
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posted 07-17-2009 11:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Boos   Click Here to Email Rick Boos     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Godspeed Walter!

Lou Chinal
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posted 07-17-2009 11:30 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Lou Chinal   Click Here to Email Lou Chinal     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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Colin Anderton
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posted 07-18-2009 01:07 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Colin Anderton   Click Here to Email Colin Anderton     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I wonder how many US reporters were as well known around the world. Here in Britain, this story is among our top headlines this morning.

Take care, Walter - and God speed.

SPACEFACTS
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posted 07-18-2009 01:18 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for SPACEFACTS   Click Here to Email SPACEFACTS     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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randy
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spaceheaded
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jut2y
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lm5eagle
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East-Frisian
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