The United States first landed a man on the moon on July 20, 1969, during the Apollo 11 mission. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the lunar surface, with Armstrong famously declaring, "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind." This historic event showcased America's technological and scientific prowess during the Space Race, a competition primarily against the Soviet Union. The successful moon landing inspired generations, drove advancements in space exploration, and demonstrated the potential for human achievement, marking a significant milestone in human history.