November 16, 2011 — The first American astronaut to orbit the
Earth and the crew of the first moon landing were bestowed by
Congress with its highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold
Medal, during a ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda in
Washington, D.C. on Wednesday (Nov. 16). Mercury astronaut John
Glenn and Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and
Michael Collins accepted the medals from Speaker of the House
John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Republican Leader
Mitch McConnell. "They will tell you that they are not heroes.
Don't listen to them," said McConnell. "America is only as
strong as the citizens we produce and here are four of the
best." "Gentleman, heroes or not, your acts were heroic," said
Boenher. "Today we add you to your many honors, with respect and
gratitude, the Congressional Gold Medal." |The New Frontier
Congressional Gold Medal. (US Mint)| Armstrong, Aldrin, Collins,
and Glenn are the first NASA astronauts t