[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RETIREMENT OF SENATOR JOHN GLENN

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, though the 105th Congress will soon come 
to a close, and each of us will return home to meet with constituents, 
or take fact finding trips throughout the nation or the world, one of 
our colleagues has not only already left town, but is headed for a most 
unusual destination, that of outer space. I speak, of course, of our 
friend, John Glenn who is ending his career in the United States 
Senate.
  Like most people, I first learned of John Glenn in 1962 when he 
orbited the Earth, but when the people of Ohio elected him to this Body 
in 1974, I had the opportunity to come to know him personally. In the 
subsequent years, we worked closely together on a number of issues, 
especially those related to national security as we served together on 
the Senate Committee on the Armed Forces. Naturally, his experiences as 
a Marine Corps officer gave Senator Glenn valuable insight into defense 
matters and he played an important role on the Committee and in working 
to help provide for a military adequately capable of protecting the 
United States.
  The same qualities that made John Glenn a successful Marine and 
astronaut, served him well here in the United States Senate. Without 
question, he is a determined man who has earned our respect for his 
honor, ability, and dedication. His desire to serve our nation is an 
inspiration, and in keeping with the highest traditions of public 
service. Without question, he has set an excellent example for others 
to follow and it is my hope that more people, from Ohio and throughout 
the United States, will follow his lead and find a way to make a 
difference in their communities and to our nation.
  Mr. President, the United States Senate will just not be quite the 
same place without the presence of Senator John Glenn. We appreciate 
the many ways in which he has served so admirably and wish both he and 
his lovely wife Annie health, happiness, and success in the years 
ahead.

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