Over the years that I have been hosting this program I have had the opportunity to interview a number of historical figures. Three of those individuals have been astronauts; John Glenn, Eugene Cernan, and Buzz Aldrin. Our early astronauts are mostly gone now. Of those three Buzz Aldrin is the only one who remains with us today.
Fifty years ago Buzz Aldrin was the second man to set foot upon the surface of the moon. I have interviewed him twice. This podcast of the recording of my first conversation with Buzz was made when he was coming through the area on a book tour for his sci-fi novel "Encounter with Tiber."
During this interview I asked Buzz how he felt about being the second man to step on to the lunar surface and whether he had ever felt that he should have been the first one, instead. My question seemed to strike a nerve.
After I interviewed Buzz again a few years later I had hoped that I would be able to continue to have additional conversations with this fascinating and articulate man. He keeps putting out books. Each time one has come out I have inquired about obtaining another interview with him. On those occasions he was not coming through our region to publicize the books and I got absolutely nowhere with my subsequent requests. I'm sure glad I was able to talk to him twice. Buzz Aldrin is truly an American hero.
The Book Nook on WYSO is presented by the Greene County Public Library with additional support from Washington-Centerville Public Library, Clark County Public Library, Dayton Metro Library, Wright Memorial Public Library, and Microsun Lamps.