The following is a statement from NASA’s Glenn Research Center Director Dr. Janet Kavandi concerning the death of retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel, senator and NASA astronaut John Herschel Glenn Jr. He was 95.
“On behalf of the men and women of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, I extend our deepest sympathies to Annie Glenn and the rest of the family on the passing of John Glenn Jr. The passing of Senator Glenn is a loss shared by the entire NASA community and especially those of us who work at the research center named for him.
“Senator Glenn devoted his life to serving this nation, first as a U.S. Marine Corps aviator and combat pilot during World War II and Korea; then as a military test pilot; then as a pioneering astronaut and the first American to orbit Earth. He later went on to serve the people of Ohio as their senator and, just when you thought he could achieve no more, returned to NASA to become the oldest astronaut to fly in space.
“The patriotic example Senator Glenn set during his lifetime is one every person at this center honors and strives to emulate each and every day as we make new discoveries in the universe around us. John Glenn will remain in our hearts, forever.”
A temporary memorial has been established at Great Lakes Science Center, home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center. Members of the public who wish to leave expressions of sympathy may do so beginning Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The memorial exhibit will be in place through Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. The Science Center will be closed Sunday, Dec. 11 through Monday, Dec. 12, 2016.
The Glenn memorial will be located in the Wintergarden atrium of the Science Center, which is publicly accessible space and does not require admission. The Science Center is located at 601 Erieside Ave., between the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum and First Energy Stadium.
Additional information about Glenn is available on the Web at:
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/about/bios/john_glenn.html
