Artemis II Crew Praised for Courage as Apollo Memories Resurface

Letter writer reflects on the risks taken by NASA astronauts, past and present.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:24am

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A bold, abstract painting in earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric planetary circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the structural order and complex forces of space exploration.A poignant reflection on the shared spirit of exploration that connects the pioneering astronauts of the past with the courageous crews of today's space missions.Cleveland Today

In a letter to the editor, a Cleveland-area resident reflects on the Artemis II mission and the courage of its crew, drawing parallels to the Apollo missions of the 1960s. The writer praises the Artemis II astronauts for their bravery and humility, contrasting their achievements with the "empty political rhetoric and exaggerations" often issued by NASA and the government.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission is a significant milestone in the ongoing exploration of the Moon, building on the legacy of the iconic Apollo program. This letter provides a personal perspective from someone who witnessed the Apollo era, highlighting the shared spirit of adventure and exploration that connects the two missions.

The details

The letter writer, Jeffrey Woytach of LaGrange, Ohio, recalls the historic Apollo 8 mission in 1968, when the first spacecraft carried humans into lunar orbit. He notes that the late astronaut Jim Lovell, who was originally from Cleveland, recorded a message welcoming the Artemis II crew. Woytach expresses his emotional reaction to seeing the two space programs "join hands" and praises the Artemis II crew for their "drive, determination and humility" in the face of the risks they have taken.

  • In December 1968, Apollo 8 became the first spacecraft to carry humans into lunar orbit.
  • In August 2025, Jim Lovell, a Cleveland native and Apollo astronaut, passed away.
  • Lovell recorded a message for the Artemis II crew before his death.

The players

Artemis II

The current NASA mission to send astronauts to orbit the Moon, building on the legacy of the Apollo program.

Jim Lovell

A former NASA astronaut who flew on the Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 missions, and was originally from Cleveland, Ohio.

Jeffrey Woytach

A resident of LaGrange, Ohio, and a member of the last generation to witness the Apollo missions.

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What they’re saying

“Godspeed, Artemis II, as you head back home to the good Earth!”

— Jeffrey Woytach, Letter writer

“Good luck and Godspeed from all of us here on the good Earth.”

— Jim Lovell, Former NASA astronaut

The takeaway

This letter serves as a poignant reminder of the shared spirit of exploration and adventure that connects the pioneering astronauts of the Apollo era with the current generation of space explorers. The writer's emotional reaction highlights the enduring impact of these historic missions and the courage of the men and women who undertake them.