Tributes: ‘Godspeed, John Glenn’

“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

“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

“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

“The Corps lost a legend today. Col. John Glenn — an astronaut, a senator, a Marine ... Semper Fi, Sir.”

U.S. Marine Corps statement

“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.

“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

“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

“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