Buzz Aldrin Lands on Montclair Sunday

Montclair native Buzz Aldrin along with Neil Armstrong became the first people to walk on the moon, during the Apollo 11 mission in July 1969.

Now 83, Aldrin will step into Montclair High School Sunday where he was part of the Class of 1947 to receive the first-ever key to Montclair. A bronze plaque in his honor will also be unveiled during the community event which begins at 11 a.m. in the high school lobby.

Patch asked a couple of Montclair officials to recall where they watched the moon landing. Here's what they said:

"I grew up in Queens, but when Buzz landed on the moon, I was about 8-years-old and I was on vacation with my parents. We were in Miami, Fla. at Wolfie's Delicatessen on Collins Avenue. I watched it on a small black and white TV that was mounted in the corner of the restaurant. The entire restaurant was watching in awe, it seemed like the whole place was standing still. Everyone applauded when Buzz started walking and bouncing up and down. It was very moving." 

—Montclair Councilwoman Robin Schlager

"I was a student at the time at Montclair State getting my teacher certification after graduating Rutgers with a degree in poli sci. Everyone was focused on the moon landing and distracted from school and work...I had just started teaching 4th grade at Roseville Ave. school in Newark in 1969...what an event to witness with my students! The class was mesmerized by what it saw on TV...as a big JFK fan, I wanted to see President Kennedy's commitment to landing on the moon "within this decade" fulfilled. It was a great achievement for the nation, but also held personal meaning for me."

—Montclair Deputy Mayor Robert Russo

Where were you watching on July 20, 1969? Share your moon-landing memories in the comments. Weren't born yet? How has the moon landing moved you?