Obama, Trump, Biden, and Ohio Politicians Mourn John Glenn’s Passing
1965: Stamp printed in Czechoslovakia showing Astronaut John Glenn
President Barack Obama
When John Glenn blasted off from Cape Canaveral atop an Atlas rocket in 1962, he lifted the hopes of a nation. And when his Friendship 7 spacecraft splashed down a few hours later, the first American to orbit the Earth reminded us that with courage and a spirit of discovery there’s no limit to the heights we can reach together. With John’s passing, our nation has lost an icon and Michelle and I have lost a friend. 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 who will take us to Mars and beyond–not just to visit, but to stay. Today, the people of Ohio remember a devoted public servant who represented his fellow Buckeyes in the U.S. Senate for a quarter century and who fought to keep America a leader in science and technology. Our thoughts are with his beloved wife Annie, their children John and Carolyn and the entire Glenn family. The last of America’s first astronauts has left us, but propelled by their example we know that our future here on Earth compels us to keep reaching for the heavens. On behalf of a grateful nation, Godspeed, John Glenn.
President-elect Donald J. Trump
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.
Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden
Any minute spent with John Glenn was a blessing. Because for all his heroism that history will remember—in war, in space, in public life—you felt something deeper. You felt his capacity to love—the country he inspired, the people of Ohio he served. And most especially, love for his Annie, a hero in her own right, and together, they forged a true partnership that bore the weight of fame and responsibility with the humility and sense of duty that defined them as the greatest of America’s greatest generation.
Jill and I are blessed for the twenty-five years we shared with John and Annie in the United States Senate, and for the forty years we have shared as dear friends. In our prayers to Annie, their children John David and Lyn, and the entire Glenn family, we can only offer the solace that future generations of Americans, when tested and challenged, will find a model for how to explore, serve, and love. For if there is ever a message to send beyond our time here on our Earth for what it means to be an American, it is the life of John Glenn. Godspeed, friend.
Ohio Governor John Kasich
John Glenn is, and always will be, Ohio’s ultimate hometown hero, and his passing today is an occasion for all of us to grieve. As we bow our heads and share our grief with his beloved wife, Annie, we must also turn to the skies, to salute his remarkable journeys and his long years of service to our state and nation. 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 Attorney General Mike DeWine
Fran and I are deeply saddened by the death of Senator John Glenn.
There is no doubt – John Glenn always had the “Right Stuff.” He was an American hero.
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 in the history of the world.
As a United States Senator, John Glenn was a workhorse. He wasn’t flashy or looking for TV cameras, but instead, Senator Glenn was interested in the real work of the United States Senate.
My first campaign for the U.S. Senate was against Senator Glenn. In spite of a tough campaign that I lost, he was gracious when I was sworn in to Ohio’s other Senate seat two years later. I was proud to serve with him in the Senate for four years, focusing on what we could do together to help Ohio families.
Fran and I and our children were thrilled to be present for Senator Glenn’s second launch into space in 1998. I took a picture of that launch, which he graciously signed for me. That picture hangs in our home in Cedarville.
No matter where he travelled in the United States, across the world, or even into outer space, Senator Glenn was always proud to call New Concord, Ohio home. He met the love of his life, Annie, there in New Concord when they were toddlers. Their 73-year marriage is an inspiration to us all.
Fran and I extend our deepest and sincerest condolences to Mrs. Glenn and to their children and grandchildren.
Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted
From the generation that taught us to always strive for greater heights came John Glenn, a Ohioan who proved for us that the sky was not the limit.
“John Glenn was an Ohio-made, American hero and a global inspiration who will be greatly missed. He left a legacy of greatness that goes beyond his status as the first American to orbit the earth; he was a dedicated marine, a strong statesman, and a devoted husband and father.”
“Tina and I send our thoughts and prayers to Annie and the entire Glenn family as our grateful state says goodbye to a great hero.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther
The way John Glenn lived his life and served his country let everyone know that anyone from any walk of life deserved the same dignity and respect. My grandmother, Nellie McMullen, worked at BF Goodrich in Akron and was one of the inspectors for the first space suit astronaut John Glenn wore during his historic orbital flight in 1962. With barely a ninth-grade education, this woman from humble beginnings told me that Mr. Glenn treated her with the same respect as presidents, world leaders and astronauts. I take the lessons he taught by the example of his life to heart every day. I am grateful I had the privilege to have spent such quality time with Sen. Glenn and his family at the dedication of the newly named John Glenn International Airport earlier this year in Columbus. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with dear Mrs. Glenn and all who loved him. Godspeed, Sen. Glenn.
U.S. Senator Rob Portman
John Glenn was an American hero. He flew 149 combat missions in two wars; he was the first American to orbit the Earth, and the longest-serving United States Senator in Ohio history. I’m grateful to have known him, to have partnered with him on projects and legislation in Congress, and to have worked with him and served on his advisory board at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at the Ohio State University. Most recently, I called him to ask him to join me at my swearing in in January for the seat he once held. When I saw Senator Glenn in October at the Glenn School board meeting he was in good humor, gracious, and determined to contribute to Ohio, as always. John and Annie’s marriage and their seven decades of partnership have been a model for Jane and me, and we send our condolences to our friend Annie and all the Glenn family at this difficult time.
US. Senator Sherrod Brown
It has been one of the great blessings of my life to get to know John Glenn, and for Connie and me to count on him and Annie as mentors and friends. We loved him, we will miss him and we will continue to draw strength and wisdom from the lessons he shared with us over the years.
“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.
“John’s kindness, his intelligence, his courage and his commitment to service set an example that our country needs today more than ever. John’s legacy will live on in the pages of the history books and the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.
Ohio State President Dr. Michael Drake
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.
Senator Glenn was a decorated U.S. Marine aviator, legendary NASA astronaut, tireless public servant, and an unparalleled supporter of The John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State, where he served actively as an adjunct professor until just recently. He was an authentic hero whose courage, integrity, sacrifice and achievements inspired people, young and old, around the world.
Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He and his wife, Annie, have been the definition of model citizens. Meeting them was among life’s greatest privileges. Spending time with them was a blessing.
On behalf of the Ohio State community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Annie and the entire Glenn family.
Ohio Democratic Party
“No one in this country epitomized the nobility and patriotism of public service more than Ohio’s John Glenn,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper. “Senator Glenn served his country in two wars, launched our nation into the space age and then returned home to represent the people of Ohio for four terms in the U.S. Senate. But even after retirement, his commitment to service continued, returning to space one last time, while inspiring thousands of students to follow him into public service by creating the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife Annie, who was by his side for every step of his historic journey, and his family.”
Ohio Republican Party
“John Glenn is a true American hero and icon. He left an indelible mark on history and we are proud to call him an Ohioan. We send our thoughts and prayers to his wife Annie, and their children.”
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