Constitution Bicentennial California Commemorative Stone Certificate Signed by Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin

Buzz Aldrin

Manuscripts & Autographs

Aldrin, Buzz. Typed letter signed concerning California’s commemoration of the United States Constitution, undated, documents the ceremonial use of a state stone intended for transport to Independence Hall in Philadelphia and placement in a “Freedom Foundation Wall.” Issued on “California Bicentennial For the U.S. Constitution” letterhead, the presentation certificate reveals how a state commemorative initiative used designated representatives, symbolic objects, and historic sites to connect California with a national narrative of constitutional government. Aldrin’s participation joined the public authority associated with the Apollo program to civic commemoration; as lunar module pilot of Apollo 11, he became the second person to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969. The letter provides primary-source evidence for the study of bicentennial observances, ceremonial gift exchange, astronaut celebrity, and the institutional mechanisms through which public memory was organized and promoted.

Aldrin, Buzz. Undated. One typed page, quarto, on “California Bicentennial For the U.S. Constitution” letterhead, signed “Buzz Aldrin” in his hand. The letter serves as a presentation certificate for a California stone and explains that the object will travel to Philadelphia for placement in a commemorative wall at Independence Hall. Its language establishes a sequence of official actions—presentation, transportation, and permanent installation—demonstrating the process by which a state contribution was incorporated into a larger national observance. The document’s association with Independence Hall places the ceremony within the physical setting most closely identified with the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention, while the letterhead specifically ties the presentation to commemoration of the Constitution.

The letter also illustrates Aldrin’s post-Apollo role as a nationally recognized participant in public and patriotic ceremonies. Apollo 11 launched on July 16, 1969, with Aldrin serving alongside Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins on the first crewed lunar-landing mission; Armstrong and Aldrin landed in the lunar module Eagle on July 20. Provenance: reportedly purchased at a Beverly Hills auction at which Aldrin offered personal space memorabilia; the auction house, sale date, and lot information were not supplied. One complete leaf with signature; no specific defects are identified in the supplied description, very good. Distinctive conjunction of constitutional commemoration, California civic participation, and the postflight public life of an Apollo 11 astronaut.

Item #2229

Price: $245.00