There are times in the history of a nation when we are right to pause, take stock of where we are, and remember who we are. Remembering such moments gives grounding, a glimpse of our future. We live in sobering times; that much goes without saying. On the other hand, there is so much more to the American story than is commonly told. It is worth hearing some of that story again.
    In uncharted waters, the United States is a rock, a beacon. We are a nation that has dared as no other in human history, achieved as no other in human history, and inspired hope as no other in human history. America is blessed with a collective commitment to unchanging ideals, and to a few simple precepts — things like honor, courage, democracy and a spoken desire to live as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Those are real aims, by real people, living in an imperfect world.
    Somehow, we the people — Americans — have been strong enough to accomplish what we set our minds and hearts to, again and again. We have witnessed the rise of resolve in the face of grave danger, and the triumph of single-mindedness. That trait is highly American. We have not avoided all punches, but we have risen to our feet — and beyond — when the rare punch landed.
    Many events in American history offer inspiration. One, not too distant in time, offers enduring hope and should rekindle resolve when the embers burn low.
    The year was 1969. The Soviet Union — a communist state bent on conquering space, humiliating the Free World, displacing and intimidating all Western nations, and able to spend without limit — resolved to outstrip the United States in technology, and land human beings on the moon to show it. From there, they could control space. From the dominance of space, they could dictate terms for life on Earth.