NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Artemis launch marks NASA’s first crewed mission to the moon in 54 years. The last trip, Apollo 17, all the way back in 1972. Today, those who lived through those events, as well as the first moon landing, are reflecting on the iconic missions.

From sitting in front of grandma’s TV to watching it while on a family vacation in Florida from their parents’ backseat. Those who lived through the first moon landing remember it fondly.

WATCH: NASA’s historic Artemis II successfully lifts off, reaches orbit

Jim Scott, the director of the Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center in North Little Rock, said it’s something that shaped his younger days.

“It’s something that had never been done by man, and here we are 50-some odd years later. We’re getting ready to do this again,” Scott said.

Jacquelin Maize, a member of the center, says it will always stick out.

“It’s so iconic. It was something that, you know, we’ll remember this for the rest of our lives,” Maize said.

Memories of Apollo 11 are flooding back ahead of the Artemis II launch.

“I think that’s the time when they said it was one giant step for mankind,” Fred Bledsoe said.

“Neil Armstrong planting the American flag,” Herb Crouch said.

“We were looking up at the moon, thinking there are people up there going around the moon,” Thomas Sarlo said.

They remember where they were and how old too.

“I was in college at the time. I remember it well,” Joe Sarlo said.

“I was a senior in high school. I was like 17 years old,” Maize said.

That launched an inspiration for some.

“My high school years, my younger years, the only thing I wanted to be was a pilot or be an astronaut,” Scott said.

Not as much for others…

“I kind of like having my feet planted on the ground,” Fred Bledsoe said.

Many were looking forward to the moment all day.

“Oh, I’m excited about it. I want to stay up late tonight and watch it,” Joe Sarlo said.

His brother, hoping it’s a blast off point to bigger projects.

“I’m hoping they eventually will build bases on the moon so that it can launch up to other planets,” Thomas Sarlo said.

Artemis II astronauts bound for moon after rocketing away on NASA’s first lunar voyage in decades

They were over the moon to share their memories with us. Orbiting the planet for over five decades, they weren’t sure they’d ever see a takeoff again.

But now many are optimistic that this is just another giant step for man…maybe to Mars?

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