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Today in History: Kennedy pledges manned Moon landing by 1970

By Drooid · Sep 12, 2026, 10:34 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On September 12 1962, President John F. Kennedy addressed a crowd at Rice Stadium in Houston, urging the United States to land a man on the Moon before 1970 and bring him safely back. The speech, largely crafted by advisor Ted Sorensen, aimed to rally public support for the national space program.

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Story summary

On September 12 1962, President John F. Kennedy addressed a crowd at Rice Stadium in Houston, urging the United States to land a man on the Moon before 1970 and bring him safely back. The speech, largely crafted by advisor Ted Sorensen, aimed to rally public support for the national space program.