Chicago Tribune, July 15: On July 20, 1969, just after 10:56 p.m. EDT, Neil Armstrong hopped down from a ladder, planted his boots on the moon’s surface and uttered the words now among the most famous ever spoken. “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind,” came the faint, staticky voice from 238,855 miles away.

We tend to measure the moon landing by what came later. Or rather, what didn’t. By the failure to reach beyond the moon. By the disappointing space shuttle, putt-putting in low Earth orbit. By the questions about what we’re doing in space, whether we’ll ever get to Mars, and whether it’s worth the billions of dollars to try.

This was inevitable. Some 167 million Americans under 40 were not yet born when those grainy, shadowy television images riveted the world. They didn’t hear the first words uttered by a human being on another world: “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.”

They missed a transcendent moment.

And then came more moon landings. A golf shot on the moon. Astronauts digging up more rocks. Bouncing around in those space suits.

It all became routine.

Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon, recently said the days of American pre-eminence in space are over and that the moon really isn’t all that promising as a destination for humans.

So was the moon shot a waste? Of course not. It boosted the aerospace industry, ignited innovation and inspired Americans.

Miami Herald, July 16: Four years ago, the Department of Veterans Affairs was facing a $1 billion shortfall. Veterans were having to wait months for routine exams. News reports about the dreadful conditions and subpar treatment of veterans at Walter Reed Army Hospital sparked more controversy.

Much has improved since those dark days of 2005.

The House of Representatives, by a 415-3 vote, approved critical funding last week for U.S. troops, as well as more assistance for veterans and their families.

Another plus: a new GI Bill, which takes effect next month, expands college education benefits for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

One challenge: Many of those returning from the war on terror are dealing with emotional scars that threaten their ability to successfully re-integrate into society, raise a family and hold down a good job.

American troops, veterans and their families deserve this nation’s gratitude for their sacrifice. More than parades and memorials, though, they deserve the services they were promised for risking their lives to defend this country.