Over 700 people blasted-off from the from the steps of the Nixon Library for a 5K race that kicked off an all-day celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s launch. Racers and several thousand guests, who were dressed for the occasion in space themed attire, were greeted by a larger than life astronaut, a planetarium presentation, a Airstream Astronaut Quarantine Unit, and NASA experts demonstrating a pressurized suit and rocket launchings.

The celebration was followed by a panel discussion featuring the officials who were in the White House when President Nixon called Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the surface of the moon. Th event began with an introduction from AT&T California President Rhonda Johnson. Nixon Foundation President Hugh Hewitt moderated the discussion featuring Deputy Assistants to the President Dwight Chapin and Larry Higby, Special Assistant to the President John Price, and Alex Eisenhower, President and Mrs. Nixon’s grandson.

Watch the program below:


 

See coverage of this event in the Orange County Register.