Former Apollo astronaut calls for end of UFO cover up by U.S. government

by Rich Bowden - Apr 24 2009, 04:24

The man credited with the longest moon walk in history when he was a member of the much-lauded Apollo program in 1971, has called on the U.S. government to end its cover up concerning alien life.

Former Apollo astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell addressed the National Press Club on the subject earlier this week after attending a conference dedicated to the research of UFO existence.

"We are being visited," he told reporters. "It is now time to put away this embargo of truth about the alien presence. I call upon our government to open up... and become a part of this planetary community that is now trying to take our proper role as a spacefaring civilisation."

With an emphatic 'truth is out there' statement, Dr. Mitchell said it was only a matter of time before an encounter occurred as the human race looks to find a new home in the galaxy.

"The sun will burn out in due course, and we have to be off this planet if our species is to survive. At this point in human history on this planet, we're now starting, and should be, to reach out beyond our planet and then beyond our solar system to find out what is really going on out there."

Interestingly Dr. Mitchell grew up in the now notorious town of Roswell, New Mexico, which has become synonymous among ufologists as a place where an encounter and cover-up occurred in 1947.

The Guardian quoted Dr. Mitchell as claiming the town: "had been hushed and told not to talk about their experience by military authorities," and were told they would suffer "dire consequences" if they did.

Dr. Mitchell's stellar career includes that of a scientist, test pilot, naval officer, entrepreneur, author and lecturer, as well as his famous work as an astronaut on to Apollo 14 mission.

He is also the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Tech Herald: UFO formations reported around the world

The Tech Herald: Area 51 declassifying pours cold water on UFO theory

The Tech Herald: Alitalia jetliner buzzed by genuine UFO

Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter.

Interested in joining an interactive community of readers? Try our Facebook Group.