President Obama hailed the late astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, as an iconic pioneer of space flight and a devoted public servant.
Mr. Glenn’s pioneering mission in 1962 “reminded us that with courage and a spirit of discovery there’s no limit to the heights we can reach together,” Mr. Obama said.
Mr. Glenn died Thursday at age 95.
“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,” the president said. “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.”
As a senator from Ohio, Mr. Glenn “fought to keep America a leader in science and technology,” the president said.
“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,” Mr. Obama said. “On behalf of a grateful nation, Godspeed, John Glenn.”
SEE ALSO: John Glenn, 1st U.S. astronaut to orbit Earth, dies at 95
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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