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The disc -

Pictured: the disc Apollo astronauts carried and left on the Moon. Each message was photographed and "reduced 200 times to a size much smaller than the head of a pin," according to NASA.

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USA presidential statement - Richard M. Nixon -

"Our current exploration of space makes the point vividly: Here is testimony to man's vision and to man's courage. The journey of the astronauts is more than a technical achievement; it is a reaching-out of the human spirit. It lifts our sights; it demonstrates that magnificent conceptions can be made real. They inspire us and at the same time they teach us true humility. What could bring home to us more the limitations of the human scale than the hauntingly beautiful picture of our earth seen from the Moon?"

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USA presidential statement - Lyndon B. Johnson -

"We expect to explore the Moon, not just visit it or photograph it. We shall expand our Earth laboratories into space laboratories and extend our national strength into the space dimension. The purpose of the American people -- expressed in the earliest days of the Space Age -- remains unchanged and unwavering. We are determined that space shall be an avenue toward peace and we both invite and welcome all men to join with us in this great opportunity."

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USA presidential statement - John F. Kennedy -

"We go into space because whatever mankind must undertake, free men must fully share... I believe that this Nation should commit itself to achieving the goal before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth. No single space project in this period will be more exciting, or more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space, and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish."

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Argentina - President Juan-Carlos Onganía -

"In the name of the government and people of Argentina I have the honor to wish you the very best for the success of the great exploit that the brave crew of the Apollo XI is going to undertake. [...]"

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Australia - Prime Minister John Gorton -

"Australians are pleased and proud to have played a part in helping to make it possible for the first man from Earth to land on the Moon. This is a dramatic fulfillment of man's urge to go 'always a little further'; to explore and know the formerly unknown; to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. May the high courage and the technical genius which made this achievement possible be so used in the future that mankind will live in a universe in which peace, self expression, and the chance of dangerous adventure are available to all."

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Belgium - King Baudouin -

"Now that, for the very first time, men will land on the Moon, we consider this memorable event with wonder and respect. [...] May God help us to realize with this new step in world history better understanding between nations and a closer brotherhood between men."

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Brazil - President Artur da Costa e Silva -

"In rejoicing together with the government and the people of the United States of America for the event of the century, I pray God that this brilliant achievement of science remain always at the service of peace and of mankind."

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Canada - Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau -

"Man has reached out and touched the tranquil Moon. Puisse ce haut fait permettre a l'homme de redecouvrir la terre et d'y trouver la paix ('May that high accomplishment allow man to rediscover the Earth and find peace')."

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Chile - President Eduardo Frei -

"May the men of our planet take to the Moon a message of peace and good will from this place on the Earth that is Chile."

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Colombia - President Carlos Lleras Restrepo -

"[...] "You will descend upon the Moon on our national holiday, when we observe the 159th anniversary of our independence. We, in Colombia, will be honoring the memory of the patriots that changed the course of our history on the same day when you will be writing an immortal page in the annals of mankind." 

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Denmark - King Frederick IX -

"Denmark conveys, through the space pioneers, her warmest wishes that this spectacular landing on the Moon may herald for all mankind a new era of peace and good will."

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Iceland - President Kristján Eldjárn -

"The people of Iceland convey their greetings by Apollo 11 and wish the astronauts good fortune on their historic voyage. May the great achievements of space research inaugurate an era of peace and happiness for all mankind."

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India - Prime Minister Indira Gandhi -

"On this unique occasion when man traverses outer space to set foot on Earth's nearest neighbour, Moon, I send my greetings and good wishes to the brave astronauts who have launched on this great venture. I fervently hope that this event will usher in an era of peaceful endeavour for all mankind."

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Ireland - President Éamon de Valera -

"May God grant that the skill and courage which have enabled man to alight upon the Moon will enable him, also, to secure peace and happiness upon the Earth and avoid the danger of self-destruction."

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Italy - President Giuseppe Saragat -

"[...] The conquest of the Moon is a glorious milestone along the road of all mankind-towards the achievement of peace, freedom and justice."

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Japan - Prime Minister Eisaku Satō -

"In congratulation of the outstanding achievement of humanity's arrival on the Moon."

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Mexico - President Gustavo Díaz Ordaz -

"[...] "In 1492, the discovery of the American Continent transformed geography and the course of human events. Today, conquest of ultraterrestrial space-with its attendant unknowns-recreates our perspectives and enhances our paradigms. [...]"

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New Zealand - President Keith Holyoake -

"By this flight man has finally fulfilled the great ambition of setting foot on another celestial body. As Prime Minister of New Zealand I hope that the realization of this dream—so long remote—will inspire all those who set their sights high and thus bring closer the dreams we share of peace and cooperation for all mankind."

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Norway - King Olav V -

"I express my best wishes for the astronauts carrying out the Apollo 11 mission and for the success of this historic space journey."

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Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos -

"[...] "The Filipino people join the world in congratulating the United States of America for putting the first men on the Moon, a triumphant milestone in the conquest of space which augurs greater achievements in the broadening of man's vision and the fulfillment of a larger destiny, within the framework of true human brotherhood and an enduring peace.''

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Portugal - President Américo Tomás -

"The Portuguese people, discoverers of the unknown Earth in centuries past, know how to admire those who in our days explore outer space bringing mankind in contact with other worlds."

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South Africa - President Jim Fouché -

"No human being can be unmoved by the prospect unveiled, at this historic moment in time, of man's first landing on the Moon. [...] On behalf of the government and all the peoples of the Republic of South Africa, I salute this manifestation of human courage and enterprise and express heartfelt wishes and ow prayers to the Almighty for the success of this climactic project."

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South Korea - President Park Chung-hee -

"The landing on the Moon by Apollo 11 is a brilliant feat of all mankind which makes men's dreams a reality and marks a new chapter of human history. [...] Let us celebrate the first landing of men on the Moon, the symbol of eternal grace and the mirror of man's true heart, with a new spirit which will inspire mankind to realize the ideal of civilization in which men live in justice, freedom, and unity."

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The Netherlands - Queen Juliana -

"I have great admiration for the skill and perseverance of all those who have contributed to make the first manned flight to the Moon possible. I hope that this achievement will prove of great benefit for the future of mankind."

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Turkey - President Cevdet Sunay -

"I consider the landing of men on the Moon as a sign of the beginning of a new era of which we could hardly dream until now. [...] I wish to congratulate most heartily the heroic astronauts and the American people, our friends and allies. [...]"

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United Kingdom - Queen Elizabeth II -

"On behalf of the British people I salute the skill and courage which have brought man to the Moon. My this endeavor increase the knowledge and well-being of mankind."

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Vatican - Pope Paul VI -

"[...] "To the glory of the name of God who gives such power to men, we ardently pray for this wonderful beginning." 

Sources: (NASA)

See also: What we've learned about the Moon since 1969

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