In the summer of 1969, as Americans excitedly watched the progress of Apollo 11, the White House had to consider the possibility that the mission would not be a success. Speechwriter William Safire was asked to prepare a statement for President Nixon to deliver in case of disaster. The National Archives has made the never-delivered speech available.
Read about Raleigh's reaction to the moon landing and hear the famous quote in Neil Armstrong's own voice here.
