Former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn has died at 95
Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962. He served as a U.S. senator from Ohio from 1974 to 1999.
“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," said Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich. "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!" Kasich said.
Astronaut and politician John Glenn was born in Cambridge, Ohio. A member of the "Mercury Seven" group of first American astronauts, he became the first American to orbit the Earth on Feb. 20, 1962. He also represented Ohio in the U.S. Senate
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) December 8, 2016
Glenn, an American hero, is recognized across the country. At least two schools in Michigan are named for him, including John Glenn High School in the Wayne/Westland Community Schools district.
NASA paid tribute to Glenn on Twitter:
We are saddened by the loss of Sen. John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. A true American hero. Godspeed, John Glenn. Ad astra. pic.twitter.com/89idi9r1NB
— NASA (@NASA) December 8, 2016
News of Glenn's passing brought an outpouring of support on social media. Follow the stream of public grieving posts here: