American hero astronaut John Glenn died on December 8, 2016 at the age of 95, after a life that almost defies explanation. One of the first men into space, Glenn, a United States Marine pilot, became a national hero when he became the first American to orbit the Earth in February 1962. Later, as a sitting U.S. Senator at the age of 77, Glenn went back into space in October 1998 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery — the oldest person ever to travel into orbit. Between these two trips, John Glenn lived a life defined by heroism, public service, and a four-term run in the U.S. Senate from Ohio (1974–1999).
Glenn lay in state in Ohio, where services celebrating his life and accomplishments were held, before being interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s statement: “Throughout his life, Senator John Glenn embodied the right stuff… Our military, in particular, benefited from his courage and dedication … But just as important as what John Glenn accomplished is how he accomplished it: with a combination of fierce determination and profound humility, and always with integrity.”
Integrity, bravery, humility — the qualities have long defined American heroes, but few have lived up to the title as well as Glenn, who coupled a fierce resolve with unshakable confidence and a deep love of country. Glenn was comfortable on the big stage, but never quite left Ohio behind. He was not only a hero but a benchmark of what came to be known as The Greatest Generation.
