On July 18, 1969, speechwriter William Sapphire was tasked with preparing a contingency plan in the form of a worst-case speech to be read by President Nixon. As the world eagerly awaited the successful landing of astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon, William wrote:
Transcript
To: HR Haldeman
From: Bill Safire
18 July 1969.
In case of lunar disaster:
Fate decreed that those who went to the moon to explore in peace should remain on the moon. Rest in peace there.
These brave people, Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, know there is no hope of his recovery. But they also know that in their sacrifice lies hope for humanity.
These two dedicate their lives to humanity’s highest goal: the pursuit of truth and understanding.
They are mourned by family and friends. you will be mourned by the people. They will be mourned by people all over the world. They will be mourned by the Earth Mother who dared send her two children into the unknown.
In their expeditions they inspired people all over the world to feel one. They bring the Brotherhood of Humanity closer together through their own sacrifices.
In ancient times, people looked at the stars and saw their heroes in the constellations. In modern times we do much the same, but our heroes are heroes in the flesh.
Others will surely follow and go home. Human quest is not denied. But these people were and will always be first in our hearts.
For all who see the moon in the coming nights will know that there is another corner of the world where mankind will live forever.
Before the President’s Statement:
The President must call all prospective widows.
President’s statement states that at this time NASA will stop communicating with the man:
The Minister uses the same procedure as sea burial, dumping the soul into the “deepest part of the abyss” and burying it in the Lord’s The will should conclude. prayer.
Fortunately for all involved, this memo was never needed.