Neil Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930. He became a United States astronaut and, on July 20, 1969, the first man to set foot on the moon.
When he stepped on the moon, he said some famous words. These words are an interesting example of the problems historians face in finding out what really happened in history.
His words were broadcast. Millions of people heard them. Armstrong is still alive and so are millions of people who heard the broadcast. And the broadcast was recorded.
Yet, there is still disagreement about what he said. What he meant to say was:
- That's one small step for a man; one giant leap for mankind.
But many people think he flubbed his line, and actually said
- That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.
Some encyclopedias say one thing, some say another, and some split the difference by putting the word "a" in brackets:
- That's one small step for [a] man; one giant leap for mankind.
Armstrong has always insisted that he said the word a.
You can play the NASA's recording and decide for yourself.