On this day, April 17, 1970, there was great rejoicing, nationwide, as three American Apollo 13 astronauts splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean. The success followed three and a half days of death-defying-drama. An onboard explosion had severely damaged the spacecraft. The three had to abort the mission — oxygen, navigation equipment, food, and spacecraft-to-Earth communication became severely limited. In great danger, they transferred into the re-entry capsule. Nationally, we held our breath.

Early this month, the nation held its breath again, as we awaited the launch of Artemis, destined to encircle, but not land on, the moon. It has been 50 years since the USA launched a moonshot. Staffing, experience, and, well, US interest in space travel had waned to almost nothing. Hence, as we awaited the “lift-off,” the few seconds of “hold” kinda gave onlookers a lurch. But then, the blast-off was spectacular!

There will be little if any grand celebration today. Baseball games, the weather, and graduation ceremonies will likely take the forefront in discussions and the news. Short-term memory is the nemesis of humanity. Part of that brief memory vapor may have a direct link to how deeply we resonate with an event, its humanity, its impact on ourselves, or the degree of compassion we have for the actors involved.

When the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land, Joshua had them bring twelve stones from the riverbed. They piled the stones as a memorial. Joshua told them that down through the years, their children will see the stones and ask, “What do these stones mean?” This would give the elders a chance to teach their children about their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and how God guided them to deliverance.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2026