President Richard Nixon to Director, Apollo Program, 21 March 1972, Richard Nixon Flies, NASA Historical Reference Collection, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
At the conclusion of the Apollo program in 1972 Richard Nixon, who had called in 1969 the Apollo 11 the most significant six days in the history of Earth since the creation, wrote a letter of congratulation to the NASA team that had carried out the Kennedy mandate of landing on the Moon. Rocco Petrone, Apollo Program Director, added his own congratulation to that of the president’s in this commemorative document.
March 24, 1972
Fellow Members of the Apollo Team:
I have received the following letter from President Nixon in which he said he wanted the Apollo Team to know how much this nation values the work we have done and are doing in the Apollo Program. The letter was addressed to me but the President’s words were really addressed to each of you.
I am pleased to pass along the President’s words with each of you has done so much to earn.
Sincerely
Rocco A. Petrone
Apollo Program Director
March 21, 1972
Dear Dr. Petrone
As we approach the final countdown for Apollo 16, I want you and all the men and women of Apollo to know how much this nation values your splendid efforts. The moon flight program has captured the imagination of our times as no other human endeavor. You and your team have, in fact, written the first chapter in the history of man’s exploration of space, and all future achievements must credit all of you for having blazed the path.
Countless people throughout the world will soon be sharing with you the excitement of Apollo 16’s voyage, and I know I speak for all of them and conveying you my warmest best wishes for a safe and successful flight. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Dr. Rocco A. Petrone
Director, Apollo Program
Office of Manned Space Flight
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Washington, D. C. 20546