Nation’s flags at half-staff in honor of Neil Armstrong

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He taught us how to dream. He taught us about conquering the unthinkable. He taught us to shoot for the stars.

On the last day of August, America’s stars and stripes are flying a little lower in memory of Neil Armstrong.

Neil Alden Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, died Aug. 25 at the age of 82. His legacy is in both air and space, yet he was incredibly grounded as a person.

We should remember the humble man who made remarkable service to his country, both as a Naval aviator who flew missions during the Korean War, an engineer, test pilot, professor, but ultimately remembered by history for his actions on July 20, 1969, as the commander of Apollo 11.

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” he said upon taking his first step on the moon. His action inspired a nation.

We should remember that a small step can make a huge difference in support of our families dealing with autism, and believing in what’s possible instead of what’s not is how we accomplish our toughest challenges.

President Barack Obama signed the following proclamation:

DEATH OF NEIL ARMSTRONG

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As a mark of respect for the memory of Neil Armstrong, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day.

I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA