Today, July 20, 2019, is the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Many celebratory events are happening this weekend, including special screenings of the 2019 documentary, Apollo 11. I’m not sure why, but coincidentally, the three theaters near me had the same showtime of 3 in the afternoon. Could it represent the three astronauts: Aldrin, Armstrong, and Collins?

My family and I went to The New Parkway Theater in Oakland, a quirky, but cozy place filled with mismatched sofas, couches, and chairs. They claim to be one of the greenest movie theaters and I can see why.

For example, if you buy tickets online, they discourage you from printing them. At the concession stand, they serve popcorn in reusable plastic bowls. If you order Italian soda or kombucha, it’s served in a glass. They offer cloth napkins that were likely washed in unscented and organic laundry detergent. My Starbucks in a paper cup felt like contraband, which I managed to smuggle in without incident, thankfully.

quirky, yet cozy seating

When the movie ended, we were inspired to see the USS Hornet (CV-12), the actual carrier that recovered Apollo 11 (and later, Apollo 12) astronauts from their lunar capsule that safely splashed down near Hawaii on July 24, 1969.

Alameda, California

After having watched some conspiracy theory videos, which suggested the moon landing was a hoax, I was skeptical for many years. However, after watching Apollo 11 today, I’m a believer again! The never-before released footage and audio from the 1969 space mission erased any doubt from my mind.

If they can put a man on the moon…

…then each of us can achieve anything with courage, determination, and focus!

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Tell me in the comments below: What are your thoughts about the first moon landing? 🚀🌝