Anyone familiar with U.S. history knows the date, July 20, 1969 — first man on the moon. In my humble opinion, it was one of the greatest achievements known to man — from taking flight at Kitty Hawk to setting foot on the moon in 59 years — achieved by what Tom Brokaw titled his book, “The Greatest Generation.”

Few, however, remember April 17, 1970; South Sea of Japan; 11:58 a.m. E.S.T. That moment was the culmination of another feat of mankind, not only from a scientific stance, but from another also. First, it was about the safe return of three astronauts. Apollo 13, the infamous “Houston, we have a problem” saga. Seven days prior, what turned out to be another “ho-hum” journey to the moon became a “pray for a miracle” chance of getting home. After the explosion, a group of men and women in Houston, Texas, came together for one reason only — the safe return of three of their teammates. They created the miracle — they, and all the people on this planet who stopped and listened and prayed.

That’s the other thing, folks. I remember both instances well, and never since have I seen the world stop and the majority of its people come together as one for the common good, not even 9/11. Churches opened their doors, Pope Paul had daily masses to no less than 50,000. Jews, Christians, Buddists and Muslims all chose to unite in prayer for the safe return of three fellow human beings.

How many of you wonder if it will ever happen again — better yet, over something that doesn’t have a potential tragedy attached to it?

“Do you ever look at the world and think how lucky they are, or do you think they look at you and think the same thing? Spread peace, and they will be right.” — Coach Fossill

— Andy Canup

Salisbury