Remembering John Glenn

A sampling of the reaction to the death of John Glenn:

“I remember vividly, as a freshman at Yellow Springs High School, sitting in science class and, like so many Americans, listening to the radio and watching on TV later in the day, as John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. That day, he captured the hearts of Americans and guaranteed his place in the history of this country and the world.”

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine

“The Ohio State University community deeply mourns the loss of John Glenn, Ohio’s consummate public servant and a true American hero. He leaves an undiminished legacy as one of the great people of our time. … Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He and his wife, Annie, have been the definition of model citizens.”

Ohio State President Michael Drake

“ … John spent his life breaking barriers, from defending our freedom as a decorated Marine Corps fighter pilot in World War II and Korea, to setting a transcontinental speed record, to becoming, at age 77, the oldest human to touch the stars. John always had the right stuff, inspiring generations of scientists, engineers and astronauts … ”

President Barack Obama

“I spend a lot of time traveling our state and talking to people about dreaming big and fulfilling their version of the American dream. John Glenn embodied that ideal. Ohio lost a leader and the world lost a hero … He will be missed by all of us.”

Ohio Lt. Gov Mary Taylor

“I’m grateful to have known him, to have partnered with him on projects and legislation, and to have … served on his advisory board at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State University. … When I saw Senator Glenn in October … he was in good humor, gracious, and determined to contribute to Ohio, as always.”

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman

“Today we lost a great pioneer of air and space in John Glenn. He was a hero and inspired generations of future explorers. He will be missed.”

President-elect Donald Trump

“John Glenn is, and always will be, Ohio’s ultimate hometown hero, and his passing is an occasion for all of us to grieve. … Though he soared deep into space and to the heights of Capitol Hill, his heart never strayed from his steadfast Ohio roots. Godspeed, John Glenn!”

Ohio Gov. John Kasich

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Glenn. During my tenure as Dayton’s mayor, I was lucky enough to work with him while he served in the Senate. … Our state and nation have lost a part of its history today with his passing.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Turner

“John Glenn … inspired generations with hope, teaching us to reach beyond ourselves for something greater. … Glenn’s legacy of public service endures in the hearts and minds of Americans who honor his heroism and dedication through their own commitment to our country, to each other, and to the peaceful advancement of humanity.”

State Rep. Fred Strahorn

“What made John Glenn a great Senator was the same quality that made him a great astronaut and an iconic American hero: He saw enormous, untapped potential in the nation he loved and he had faith that America could overcome any challenge.”

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown

“… From the Wright brothers to the moon, Ohio’s native sons have played a central role in pioneering flight and space travel. … America owes John Glenn a debt for the risks he took to help us win the space race. We mourn his loss, and our condolences are with his beloved wife Annie.”

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan

The Corps lost a legend today. Col. John Glenn — an astronaut, a senator, a Marine — died at the age of 95. Semper Fi, Sir.

U.S. Marines, via Twitter

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