Neil Armstrong and Alan Shepard at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas in 1964 (Las Vegas News Bureau Archives)U.S. Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon, died Saturday at the age of 82.
Armstrong died from complications with heart-bypass surgery, according to his family.
U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued the following statement regarding the passing of Neil Armstrong:
"I was saddened to hear that Neil Armstrong passed away today. Mr. Armstrong was an icon of American heroism who will always be remembered for those first few brave steps on the moon. While his legacy will never be forgotten, my thoughts and prayers are with his family during this sad time," said Senator Dean Heller.
Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta issued the following statement regarding the passing of Neil Armstrong:
"I was deeply saddened to learn today of the passing of Neil Armstrong, one of America's greatest heroes and Naval aviators. On behalf of the Department of Defense, I express my condolences to the Armstrong family during this difficult time.
We are bidding farewell to one of our own. As a decorated Korean War veteran, as an astronaut for NASA, and as the first man to walk on the moon, Neil inspired generations of Americans to believe that as a nation we are capable of achieving greatness that only comes with determination, perseverance, and hard work.
As a true pioneer, his one small step showed all mankind the great feats we can accomplish when we set ourselves to the task. While Neil is no longer with us, his spirit and his legacy of American achievement and national pride will live forever."
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