Messages of Peace...on the Moon

Apollo 11 moon landing: messages of peace from world leaders left on moon
When the Apollo 11 mission reached the Moon on July 20 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin deposited a tiny silicon disk on the lunar surface containing messages of peace from 73 world leaders. Here is a selection of the best.


By Heidi Blake
Published: 11:00AM BST 19 Jul 2009
20 July, 1969: Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin E.
The silicon disk was left underneath the US flag which Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin planted on the Moon's surface Photo: NASA

1) "On behalf of the British people I salute the skill and courage which have brought man to the moon. May this endeavour increase the knowledge and wellbeing of mankind." The Queen

2) "In rejoicing together with the government and the people of the United States of America for the event of the century, I pray God that this brilliant achievement of science remain always at the service of peace and of mankind." Artur da Costa e Silva, president of Brazil

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3) "This is a message from black militants. It is a message of human solidarity, a message of peace. In this first visit to the Moon, rather than a victory of technology we salute a victory of human will: research and progress, but also brotherhood." Léopold Sédar Senghor, president of Senegal

4) "On this unique occasion when man traverses outer space to set foot on Earth’s nearest neighbour, Moon, I send my greetings and good wishes to the brave astronauts who have launched on this great venture. I fervently hope that this event will usher in an era of peaceful endeavour for all mankind." Indira Gandhi, prime minister of India

5) "Although we are not suggesting any message from the Polish Head of State, please be assured that the achievements of the U.S. astronauts are followed by us with great interest, appreciation and best wishes for the success in their endeavour." Jerzy Michalowski, Polish ambassador

6) The Government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago acclaim this historic triumph of science and the human will. It is our earnest hope for mankind that while we gain the moon, we shall not lose the world. Eric Williams, prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago

7) "Man has reached out and touched the tranquil moon. May that high accomplishment allow man to rediscover the Earth and find peace there." Pierre Elliott Trudeau, prime minister of Canada

8) "On this occasion when Mr. Neil Armstrong and Colonel Edwin Aldrin set foot for the first time on the surface of the Moon from the Earth, we pray the Almighty God to guide mankind towards ever increasing success in the establishment of peace and the progress of culture, knowledge and human civilisation." Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Aryamehr, Shahanshah of Iran

9) "May He whose glory the heavens declare grant that mankind may grow in the knowledge of His purposes as we probe into the secrets of His universe." Hugh Lawson Shearer, prime minister of Jamaica

10) "The age-old dream of man to cut his bonds to planet Earth and reach for the stars has given him not only wings, but also the intellect and the intrepid spirit which has enabled him to overcome formidable barriers and accomplish extraordinary feats in the exploration of the unknown, culminating in this epochal landing on the Moon." Ferdinand Marcos, president of the Philippines