There have been few moments in our history where it has seemed the world stood still. Time seemed frozen as an event unfolded.

Most recently, the horrific events of Sept. 11, 2001 would be such a time.

But, 40 years ago this weekend, the world stood breathless as the crew of Apollo 11, superheroes of their era, began their trip to land on the moon.

In stories told and viewed, human beings around the world united in their anticipation as these three men hurdled toward the moon on a mission that would join the list of iconic world events.

The moon landing of July 20, 1969 will long be remembered as the crowning achievement of our nation’s space program. To many even the magnificent and resilient shuttle program doesn’t compare to the excitement and chilling sight of man walking on the moon.

As the shuttle program nears its end, we again are talking of a manned moon-landing program followed by a potential manned program to Mars.

Some have questioned the value of a space program and landing on the moon, especially when the economy is struggling and wars are being fought.

It’s amazingly similar to a slowed economy and the war being fought in Southeast Asia at the time Apollo 11 made history and united the world at the splendor of our efforts.

Over the next few days we will honor the spirit of the men and women of the young space agency and remember the feeling our world shared when we expanded our reach to the stars.

It would seem a strong, viable and active space program is exactly what our world could use right now.