50 years on, will the Mars lander arm that opened the Air and Space raise its hand?

As the clock ticked down, Michael Collins, the celebrated Apollo 11 astronaut, felt the weight of anticipation on the day marking the grand opening of the National Air and Space Museum. The event was already ahead of schedule, but the next 36 minutes would determine its success. President Gerald Ford and Vice President Nelson Rockefeller took their time finding their seats on a stage adorned with patriotic colors. The Thunderbirds' flyover, usually a highlight, was merely a warm-up for the main event. Collins watched the time closely as the ceremony unfolded. The Presentation of Colors lasted just 20 seconds, followed by the national anthem performed by the Air Force Band, which took approximately 85 seconds. After a brief invocation by the Bishop of Washington, the Secretary of the Smithsonian, Dillon Ripley, warmly welcomed the attendees. When Chief Justice Warren Burger introduced President Ford, the moment had finally arrived. At 11:13 am, Ford stepped up to the podium and declared, "This beautiful new museum and its exciting exhibits of the mastery of air and space is a perfect birthday present from the American people to themselves." He proudly added that the impressive aircraft on display, from the Wright brothers' biplane to modern space vehicles, were predominantly "Made in USA." Just nine and a half minutes later, Ford concluded his remarks with an inspiring quote from Thomas Jefferson. He referenced Jefferson's vision of a future filled with liberty and opportunity, emphasizing that even if some deemed it impossible, the spirit of experimentation should prevail. This celebration not only marked the opening of a museum but also highlighted the enduring legacy of American innovation in aviation and space exploration.