This was received by my sister, "from a friend", in May of 2011. I have edited it for effect.
Tomorrow is May fifth. Most Americans, through news media, will think it is ONLY Cinco de Mayo.
On five May 1961, LCDR Alan B Shepard was the first American to go into space.
I know this as I was a crew member on the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain (CVS-39) which was the recovery ship.
All I did was to stand on the flight deck and watch his descent by parachute to a landing about two miles from ship.
I watched as Marine helos picked him and capsule and deliver them to ship. This was one of the greatest moments in my life.
Alan B Shepard is also only one of twelve persons that have walked on the moon.
Dad Jim JJ Red