Author
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Topic: Walter Cronkite, news anchor (1916-2009)
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Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-17-2009 07:32 PM
collectSPACE Veteran anchor Walter Cronkite dies at 92Veteran 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 Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-17-2009 07:32 PM
NASA release NASA Mourns the Death of Walter CronkiteThe 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 Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-17-2009 07:32 PM
NASA release Neil Armstrong Statement on the Death of Walter CronkiteThe 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 Member Posts: 170 From: Tucson, Arizona Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 07-17-2009 07:37 PM
Rest in peace... thanks for you service.
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stsmithva Member Posts: 1933 From: Fairfax, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 07-17-2009 07:38 PM
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Space Emblem Art Member Posts: 194 From: Citrus Heights, CA - USA Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 07-17-2009 07:42 PM
Thanks for being there during my youth Walter. |
alanh_7 Member Posts: 1252 From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 07-17-2009 07:42 PM
A sad day. "He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again." |
Mike Z Member Posts: 451 From: Ellicott City, Maryland Registered: Dec 2005
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posted 07-17-2009 07:43 PM
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 Member Posts: 1505 From: Bluffton IN USA Registered: Oct 2007
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posted 07-17-2009 07:51 PM
"And that's the way it was.". |
Orthon Member Posts: 144 From: San Tan Valley, Arizona 85143 Registered: May 2002
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posted 07-17-2009 07:55 PM
Very sad. Rest in peace Walter. Thank you for your excellent space coverage. |
ejectr Member Posts: 1751 From: Killingly, CT Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 07-17-2009 07:58 PM
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history in miniature Member Posts: 600 From: Slatington, PA Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 07-17-2009 08:18 PM
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jasonelam Member Posts: 691 From: Monticello, KY USA Registered: Mar 2007
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posted 07-17-2009 08:26 PM
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E2M Lem Man Member Posts: 846 From: Los Angeles CA. USA Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 07-17-2009 08:36 PM
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 Member Posts: 90 From: soon to be Boise, ID USA Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 07-17-2009 08:47 PM
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MarylandSpace Member Posts: 1337 From: Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 07-17-2009 08:58 PM
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 Member Posts: 729 From: South Carolina Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 07-17-2009 09:12 PM
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 Member Posts: 2896 From: Titusville, FL USA Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 07-17-2009 09:13 PM
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 Member Posts: 48 From: Long Island, NY USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 07-17-2009 09:20 PM
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DChudwin Member Posts: 1096 From: Lincolnshire IL USA Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 07-17-2009 09:35 PM
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SpaceAholic Member Posts: 4437 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-17-2009 09:36 PM
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ringo67 Member Posts: 179 From: Seekonk, Mass., USA Registered: May 2003
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posted 07-17-2009 09:43 PM
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Hart Sastrowardoyo Member Posts: 3445 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 07-17-2009 09:52 PM
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 Member Posts: 916 From: Fort Mill, SC, USA Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 07-17-2009 09:53 PM
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 Member Posts: 1156 From: Sandpoint, ID, USA Registered: Mar 2003
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posted 07-17-2009 10:40 PM
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 Member Posts: 2272 From: Bellevue, NE, USA Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 07-17-2009 10:43 PM
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 Member Posts: 379 From: Yadkinville, NC Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 07-17-2009 10:43 PM
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Moonwalker1954 Member Posts: 245 From: Montreal, Canada Registered: Jul 2004
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posted 07-17-2009 10:53 PM
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Michael Clemente Member Posts: 186 From: Atco, New Jersey, USA Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 07-17-2009 11:00 PM
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Paul23 Member Posts: 836 From: South East, UK Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 07-17-2009 11:09 PM
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tedc Member Posts: 123 From: Renton, WA USA Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 07-17-2009 11:12 PM
A class act. RIP. |
Rick Boos Member Posts: 851 From: Celina, Ohio Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 07-17-2009 11:25 PM
Godspeed Walter! |
Lou Chinal Member Posts: 1306 From: Staten Island, NY Registered: Jun 2007
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posted 07-17-2009 11:30 PM
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Colin Anderton Member Posts: 151 From: Great Britain Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 07-18-2009 01:07 AM
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.
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SPACEFACTS Member Posts: 301 From: Germany Registered: Aug 2006
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posted 07-18-2009 01:18 AM
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randy Member Posts: 2176 From: West Jordan, Utah USA Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 07-18-2009 01:21 AM
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spaceheaded Member Posts: 147 From: MD Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 07-18-2009 01:26 AM
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jut2y Member Posts: 260 From: worthing west sussex united kingdom Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 07-18-2009 01:26 AM
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lm5eagle Member Posts: 429 From: Registered: Jul 2007
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posted 07-18-2009 01:37 AM
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East-Frisian Member Posts: 586 From: Germany Registered: Apr 2005
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posted 07-18-2009 02:20 AM
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