Neil Armstrong became the first man to land on the moon on July 20, 1969, and now, 43 years later, he has passed away.

His family stated, ”We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.”

Throughout his career, the astronaut went into space twice. His first journey was in 1966 where he was the commander of Gemini 8. That trip was almost disastrous. His second trip was made in 1969, when he landed on the moon, making history.

Armstrong spent 2 hours and 32 minutes on the moon’s surface, while his fellow astronaut, Buzz Aldrin, spent 2 hours and 17 minutes on it. After that amazing journey, neither went back into space.

Armstrong will definitely be remembered as an American hero, and  ”today [he] takes his place in the hall of heroes. With courage unmeasured and unbounded love for his country, he walked where man had never walked before. The moon will miss its first son of earth,” according to Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential candidate.