#OTD20 | September 12, 1962
JFK Pledges: "We go to the moon ..."
September 12, 1962: President John F. Kennedy delivers his iconic "We go to the moon" address at Rice University,
In his remarks, Kennedy sets a bold goal for the United States. He declares that by the end of the decade, America will land astronauts on the Moon.
Kennedy's visionary speech, delivered before a crowd of 35,000, galvanizes public support and leads to significant government investment. It marks a pivotal moment in the Apollo era, uniting the nation in a shared mission to explore the Moon.
Viewing Options
John F. Kennedy and the space race are chronicled in our curriculum-aligned film, The Sixties, from AMERICA IN THE 20TH CENTURY.
Additional Resources
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#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
October 12, 1945: The Conscientious Objector Who Became a War Hero
#OTD20 — October 12, 1945: Private Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector, is awarded the Medal of Honor for his unparalleled bravery during World War II.
October 11, 1936: Mother Jones Memorial Dedicated
#OTD20 — October 10, 1986: President Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev meet in Reykjavik to discuss arms control. Despite high hopes, they leave without no major agreements.
October 10, 1986: Reagan and Gorbachev at the Reykjavik Summit
#OTD20 — October 10, 1986: President Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev meet in Reykjavik to discuss arms control. Despite high hopes, they leave without no major agreements.
October 7, 1963: President Kennedy Signs Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
#OTD20 — October 7, 1963: President Kennedy signs the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, prohibiting nuclear tests in the atmosphere, underwater, or in space.
October 6, 1991: Anita Hill Allegations Emerge: A Pivotal Moment for the Supreme Court and the Nation
#OTD20 — October 6, 1991: Anita Hill’s allegations of sexual harassment against Clarence Thomas shake the nation.
October 5, 1914: First Aerial Combat Victory Ushers in New Age in Military Strategy
The Sputnik launch marks the beginning of the space age and the U.S.-Soviet space race. Dive into this #OTD20 event with Media Rich Learning.
October 4, 1957: Sputnik Launch Ignites the Space Race
The Sputnik launch marks the beginning of the space age and the U.S.-Soviet space race. Dive into this #OTD20 event with Media Rich Learning.
October 2, 1944: Warsaw Uprising – Remembering Poland’s Fierce Resistance
#OTD20 — October 2, 1944: After 63 days of intense fighting, the Warsaw Uprising ends with the surrender of Polish insurgents.
September 29, 1950: Reaching the 38th Parallel in Korea
#OTD20 — September 29, 1950: Exploring the day U.S.-led troops reached the 38th parallel—the dividing line between North and South Korea—during the Korean War.
September 28, 1928: Alexander Fleming and the Discovery of Penicillin
#OTD20 — September 28, 1928: Learn more about Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic and a revolutionary medical breakthrough.
September 27, 1964: Warren Report — Solving or Complicating JFK’s Assassination?
#OTD20 — September 27, 1964: British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain believes war with German has been averted, declaring the Munich Agreement affords “peace in our time.”
September 26, 1960: The First Televised Presidential Debate
#OTD20 — September 26, 1960: the first-ever televised presidential debate took place between Kennedy and Nixon, reshaping American politics and the role of television in it.
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