American legend to attend air show

COLUMBIA — Buzz Aldrin, one of only a handful of people to walk on the moon, will be on hand for next weekend’s festivities.

Although it is uncertain whether Aldrin will be speaking during Saturday’s Honored Guest Banquet, he will be participating in the Memorial Day ceremony at the Boone County Courthouse and will be present during the air show demonstrations Saturday afternoon, said Nancy Fields, media chairwoman for the air show.

Aldrin is no stranger to public events ever since the world tuned in to witness Neil Armstrong and Aldrin take their “one giant leap for mankind” in November 1969.

Aldrin has been featured in publications including Vanity Fair and The New York Times and has written books on future American space aviation. In the 1995 Disney blockbuster, Toy Story, the character Buzz Lightyear was influenced by Aldrin.

Aldrin currently travels throughout the country speaking at various engagements to bring awareness to technological and space advancements and the importance of patriotism.