'Godspeed, John Glenn': Public hails hero of space, politics
Tributes poured in for former astronaut and U.S. Sen. John Glenn, who died Thursday at age 95. Politicians, astronauts, educators and others repeatedly called him a hero with many mentioning the phrase that first sent him into orbit: "Godspeed, John Glenn."
Here is a look of some of the reactions:
"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. ... 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 Barack Obama
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"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, on Twitter
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"Glenn's extraordinary courage, intellect, patriotism and humanity were the hallmarks of a life of greatness. His missions have helped make possible everything our space program has since achieved and the human missions to an asteroid and Mars that we are striving toward now." - NASA Administrator Charles Bolden
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"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. Marine Corps, on its Twitter account
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"More than anything else, John served his country with profound humility. He extended kindness and courtesy to all those who had the pleasure of being in his company. John held many titles throughout his life: war hero, astronaut, and senator. But none so aptly described John as the title of 'good man.'" - U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
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"May his memory live on every time we look up at the stars." - U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.
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"On top of paving the way for the rest of us, he was also a first-class gentleman and an unabashed patriot." - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., who also flew in space.
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"Today our nation bids farewell to one of the most iconic figures of the 20th Century. John Glenn said his childhood was like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting, but his life was anything but typical." - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
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"You look at John Glenn and his is really a life of service and we don't see enough of that. He is an honest-to-God hero in all kinds of ways." - Roger Launius, National Air and Space Museum associate director and historian
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"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. ... 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
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"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." - Ohio State President Michael Drake
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"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, D-Ohio
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"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." - Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio
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"John Glenn's enduring commitment to public service, devoted patriotism, and tremendous courage embody the very best of the American spirit. John's passionate belief that everyone has an obligation to serve has inspired many people across America to contribute to their communities." - House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
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"No one in this country epitomized the nobility and patriotism of public service more than Ohio's John Glenn." - Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper
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"All of us in the commercial space industry seek to honor John Glenn by advancing further along the path he blazed for humanity in space." - Eric Stallmer, president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation
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"John Glenn understood that aviation isn't about flying, it's about freedom. Sen. Glenn proved that with unwavering determination and relentless hard work, every person can create his or her own opportunity to fulfill a potential beyond the limits of this earth." - Elaine Roberts, head of John Glenn Columbus International Airport