438. [Apollo 17] THE FINAL GOODBYE SALUTE ON THE MOON: "We leave as we came, and, God willing, as we shall return—with peace and hope for all mankind." NASA, 7-19 December 1972, EVA 3 Printed 1972. Vintage gelatin silver print on fibre-based paper [NASA image S-72-55420]. Numbered "NASA S-72-55420" in black in the top margin (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas). 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context This image captured from a rover TV transmission near the LM Challenger at the end of the final EVA on the lunar surface pays tribute to the spirit of Apollo. "As I take man's last step from the surface, back home for some time to come - but we believe not too long into the future - I'd like to just (say) what I believe history will record. That America's challenge of today has forged man's destiny of tomorrow. And, as we leave the Moon at Taurus-Littrow, we leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all Mankind. Godspeed the crew of Apollo 17." Eugene Cernan (mission transcript at 170:41:00 GET). : APOLLO 17 LUNAR MISSION 1972 " ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS " NASA DOCUMENTARY 17694