‘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 Obama

 

‘Today we lost a great pioneer of air and space in John Glenn. He was a hero and inspired generations of future explorers.’

President-elect Donald Trump, on Twitter

 

‘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 — died at the age of 95. Semper Fi, Sir.’

U.S. Marine Corps, on its Twitter account

 

‘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.’

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.)

 

‘May his memory live on every time we look up at the stars.’ 

U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wis.)

 

‘John Glenn was one of the finest, most noble human beings I ever met. His passion for public service was expressed in brave deeds in the military service and space exploration and political courage in the Senate.’

Former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, who served with John Glenn in the Senate from 1979 until Mr. Glenn retired in 1999

 

‘By his inspirational leadership spearheading our space program, John helped push back the horizon of discovery.’

Former President George H.W. Bush, on Twitter

 

 

‘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

 

‘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)

 

‘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.’

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R., Ohio)

 

‘I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of an American hero and public servant, John Glenn. Ever since I had the thrill as a college student in 1979 to interview Senator Glenn in Bowling Green for the Sentinel Tribune, I have followed his distinguished career closely ever since.’

State Sen. Randy Gardner (R., Bowling Green)

 

‘His legacy will endure in the generations of Americans who find inspiration in his life.’

State Rep. Michael Sheehy (D., Oregon)

 

‘He was the greatest aviator I ever met. In the 1980s when I was learning to fly, he told me to ‘get an instrument rating,’ so I did. I always hoped to fly right seat [copilot] with him; we talked about it, but much to my regret, that never happened.’

John Robinson Block, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Blade

 

‘He was so down to earth and approachable, at the same time he was an American hero of our era.’

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo)

 

First Published December 9, 2016, 5:00 a.m.