[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 1, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H4221-H4224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   45TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN HERSCHEL GLENN, JR. BECOMING FIRST U.S. 
                        ASTRONAUT TO ORBIT EARTH

  Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 252) recognizing the 45th anniversary 
of John Herschel Glenn, Jr.'s historic achievement in becoming the 
first United States astronaut to orbit the Earth.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 252

       Whereas John Herschel Glenn, Jr. was born on July 18, 1921, 
     in Cambridge, Ohio, and grew up in New Concord, a small 
     college town a few miles from the larger city of Zanesville, 
     Ohio;
       Whereas John Glenn attended New Concord High School and 
     earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from 
     Muskingum College, which also awarded him an honorary Doctor 
     of Science degree in engineering;
       Whereas John Glenn enlisted in the Naval Aviation Cadet 
     Program shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and was 
     commissioned in the United States Marine Corps in 1943;
       Whereas John Glenn served in combat in the South Pacific 
     and also requested combat duty during the Korean conflict;
       Whereas John Glenn was a dedicated military officer, flying 
     149 missions during 2 wars;
       Whereas John Glenn received many honors for his military 
     service, among them the Distinguished Flying Cross on 6 
     occasions, the Air Medal with 18 Clusters, the Asiatic-
     Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the 
     World War II Victory Medal, the China Service Medal, the 
     National Defense Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal;
       Whereas John Glenn served several years as a test pilot on 
     Navy and Marine Corps jet fighters and attack aircraft;
       Whereas, as a test pilot, John Glenn set a transcontinental 
     speed record in 1957 by completing the first flight to 
     average supersonic speeds from Los Angeles to New York;
       Whereas John Glenn was a pioneer in the realm of space 
     exploration and was selected in 1959 as one of the original 7 
     astronauts in the United States space program, entering the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) 
     Project Mercury;
       Whereas John Glenn was assigned to the NASA Space Task 
     Group at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia;
       Whereas, in 1962, the Space Task Group was moved to 
     Houston, Texas, and became part of the NASA Manned Spacecraft 
     Center;
       Whereas, on February 20, 1962, John Glenn piloted the 
     Mercury-Atlas 6 ``Friendship 7'' spacecraft on the first 
     manned orbital mission of the United States;
       Whereas, after launching from the Kennedy Space Center in 
     Florida, John Glenn completed a 3-orbit mission around the 
     planet, reaching an approximate maximum altitude of 162 
     statute miles and an approximate orbital velocity of 17,500 
     miles per hour;
       Whereas John Glenn landed Friendship 7 approximately 5 
     hours later, 800 miles southeast of the Kennedy Space Center 
     near Grand Turk Island;
       Whereas, with that pioneering flight, John Glenn joined his 
     colleagues Alan Shepard and Virgil Grissom in realizing the 
     dream of space exploration and engaging the minds and 
     imaginations of his and future generations in the vast 
     potential of space exploration;
       Whereas, after retiring from the space program, John Glenn 
     continued his public service as a distinguished member of the 
     Senate, in which he served for 24 years;
       Whereas John Glenn has continued his public service through 
     his work at the John Glenn Institute at Ohio State 
     University, which was established to foster public 
     involvement in the policy-making process, raise public 
     awareness about key policy issues, and encourage continuous 
     improvement in the management of public enterprise;
       Whereas, in March 1999, Secretary of Education Richard W. 
     Riley appointed John Glenn as Chair of the newly formed 
     National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for 
     the 21st Century;
       Whereas the Commission played a pivotal role in improving 
     the quality of teaching in mathematics and science in the 
     United States;
       Whereas, in 1998, John Glenn returned to space after 36 
     years as a member of the crew of the space shuttle Discovery, 
     serving as a payload specialist and as a subject for basic 
     research on how weightlessness affects the body of an older 
     person; and
       Whereas, combined with his previous missions, John Glenn 
     logged over 218 hours in space: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors the 45th anniversary of John Herschel Glenn, 
     Jr.'s landmark mission piloting the first manned orbital 
     mission of the United States; and
       (2) recognizes the profound importance of John Glenn's 
     achievement as a catalyst to space exploration and scientific 
     advancement in the United States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Wilson) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio.


                             General Leave

  Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and to include extraneous material on House Resolution 252, the 
resolution now under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 252, recognizing 
the 45th anniversary of John Herschel Glenn, Jr.'s historic achievement 
in becoming the first United States astronaut to orbit the Earth.
  This resolution recognizes John Glenn's distinguished career as a 
military officer in the United States Marine Corps, during which he 
served in combat in the South Pacific and the Korean conflict and 
received many honors for his military service, as a test pilot on Navy 
and Marine Corps jet fighters and attack aircraft, and especially as an 
astronaut on the first manned orbital mission of the United States.
  Madam Speaker, on February 20, 1962, John Glenn piloted the Mercury-
Atlas 6 Friendship 7 spacecraft on the first U.S. manned orbital space 
mission, completing three orbits of the

[[Page H4222]]

Earth and landing some 5 hours later 800 miles southeast of Kennedy 
Space Center near Grand Turk Island. With that pioneer flight, John 
Glenn joined his fellow Americans, Alan Shepard and Virgil Grissom, in 
realizing the dream of space exploration and engaging the minds and 
imaginations of his and future generations in the vast potential of 
space exploration.
  This resolution recognizes that John Glenn, having retired from the 
space program, continued his public service as a distinguished Member 
of the Senate for 24 years and through his work at the John Glenn 
Institute at the Ohio State University, which fosters public 
involvement in the policy-making process.
  In 1998, John Glenn returned to space after 36 years as a member of 
the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery, helping researchers study how 
weightlessness affects the body of an older person.
  Madam Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to support House 
Resolution 252, to honor this 45th anniversary of John Herschel Glenn, 
Jr.'s landmark mission, piloting the first manned orbital mission of 
the United States, and to recognize the profound importance of his 
achievement as a catalyst to space exploration and scientific 
advancement in the United States.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
House Resolution 252, which honors the 45th anniversary of John 
Herschel Glenn, Jr.'s historic mission as the first American to orbit 
the Earth aboard the Mercury spacecraft Friendship 7. This was truly a 
landmark event in our human space flight program. These early successes 
captured the minds and imaginations of people around the world and were 
an inspiration to all Americans at a time when we were the underdog in 
a technological race with the Soviet Union.
  Prior to his service with NASA, John Glenn had already received 
numerous honors for his military service during World War II and the 
Korean War. He set a transcontinental speed record in 1957 by 
completing the first flight between Los Angeles and New York at an 
average speed greater than the speed of sound.
  John Glenn was selected as one of the original Mercury 7 NASA 
astronauts in 1959 and logged over 218 hours in space. After retiring 
from the space program, John Glenn continued to serve his country as a 
distinguished Member of the United States Senate for 24 years. In 1998, 
John Glenn returned to space after 36 years as a member of the crew of 
the Space Shuttle Discovery, serving as a subject for basic research 
into the effects of weightlessness on the body of an older person.
  John Glenn is truly an American hero. I am proud to support this 
resolution honoring such a prominent American citizen, military veteran 
and astronaut. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 252.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman 
from Ohio (Mr. Space).
  Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 252, a 
resolution commemorating the 45th anniversary of John Herschel Glenn, 
Jr.'s historic first orbit around the Earth.
  John Glenn's accomplishments and service to his country made him an 
inspiration to a generation of young men and women like me. He was a 
source of pride for our Nation. His contributions to space exploration 
helped to change our Nation's way of thinking about the new frontier 
and taught a generation of Americans to dream big. I am honored that 
this true American hero was born, raised and educated in Ohio's 18th 
District.
  Born in 1921 in Cambridge, Ohio, and raised in nearby New Concord, 
John Glenn attended New Concord High School and earned a bachelor of 
science degree from Muskingum College in New Concord.
  John Glenn began his distinguished military career by enlisting in 
the Naval Aviation Cadet Program, going on to become a Marine pilot, 
earning the Distinguished Flying Cross on six occasions and the Air 
Medal with 18 clusters. After leaving the military, John Glenn became a 
test pilot for the Naval Air Test Center. In 1957 he set a speed record 
by flying from Los Angeles to New York in 3 hours 23 minutes.
  While these achievements are without question remarkable and cause 
for celebration, Madam Speaker, they are not what bring us here today. 
We are here to appreciate John Glenn's accomplishments in a space 
flight that revolutionized how Americans viewed space exploration.
  In the 1950s, the concept of sending a man into space was foreign to 
most Americans. A mere 50 years after the Wright brothers made their 
first brief attempts at manned flight, the prospect of propelling a 
human being into outer space was daunting.
  In 1959, John Glenn volunteered to become one of the original seven 
astronauts in the Mercury program, the first manned space flight 
program in the United States. Several years later, John Glenn embarked 
on his mission. In February of 1962, he became the first man to orbit 
the Earth, completing that feat three times over.
  Madam Speaker, I understand that Senator Glenn knew there was a 
significant chance he would not survive the flight. I had the pleasure 
of a conversation with Senator Glenn recently where he told me that he 
chose to go on the mission because it was the right thing to do, 
knowing full well he may not return. And it was the right thing to do 
not for himself, but for America.
  A year earlier than that, President Kennedy announced a bold new 
mission to place a man on the Moon. The success of John Glenn's flight 
helped bring credence and merit to President Kennedy's goal.

                              {time}  1315

  Americans saw that what was once impossible was now possible. The 
possibilities suddenly seemed endless.
  Following the end of his career in aeronautics, Ohio was the 
fortunate benefactor of John Glenn's public service when he became a 
United States Senator. He served the State with dignity and honor for 
28 years before retiring.
  Of course, space exploration was never far from his heart. After 
retiring from the Senate, he joined the crew of the Space Shuttle 
Discovery and became the oldest man to ever venture into space.
  Madam Speaker, I have had the privilege of meeting this American 
hero. I am struck by his humility and his passion for service to his 
country. Time and again, he risked his life for the benefit of the 
American people. He prioritized the good of the whole over the good of 
the one, and for that I will always admire him.
  As a freshman Member of Congress, I often look for examples to 
follow. For me, John Glenn, along with his beautiful wife, Annie, 
represent the absolute best this country has to offer. They have shown 
courage in the face of adversity and selflessness for the sake of 
making our country better pride. They have instilled in all of us the 
hope and inspiration and pride that swells the heart and enriches our 
world.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution to 
commemorate an achievement that was the catalyst for space exploration 
and scientific advancement in the United States.
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman 
from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).
  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me 
this time.
  I rise in support of this resolution honoring the 45th anniversary of 
John Glenn's historic flight, making him the first American to orbit 
the Earth.
  His journey in the Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 spacecraft was made 
all the more incredible by the complications that ensued during the 
flight. Scheduled for three orbits, the final two had to be piloted on 
manual control after a malfunction in the automatic controls. Still on 
manual control, Mr. Glenn piloted the capsule during reentry into the 
earth's atmosphere.
  The spacecraft also sent a signal to the ground that the heat shield, 
designed to prevent the craft from burning up on reentry, was loose. 
Though ground control did not tell him, Mr. Glenn quickly deduced there 
was a problem. An external piece of the craft called a retropack, which 
was supposed to be jettisoned before reentry was left on to try to keep 
the heat shield in

[[Page H4223]]

place. During the reentry, pieces of retropack flew past the capsule's 
window in flames. Still, Colonel Glenn landed safely in the Atlantic 
Ocean to the relief of the Nation. During the flight, John Glenn was 
subjected to 7.7 Gs and traveled 76,000 miles.
  His success helped lay the groundwork for the continuous string of 
successes NASA has since accumulated. John Glenn went on to continue 
his lengthy record of public service as a U.S. Senator from Ohio, even 
returning to space flight in 1999.
  When we stand here and look back 45 years, it is almost impossible to 
imagine that a man would step into a small container with a huge rocket 
behind it that would propel him into an orbit. And when you think of 
the kind of courage that he demonstrated then, what is interesting 
about John Glenn is that all of the attention, the fame and adulation 
that came after that didn't affect him one bit. He was basically 
someone who served his country in the military, then went on to serve 
his country as a U.S. Senator, and while this historic occasion is 
being recognized, I think also we pay tribute to John Glenn the man, 
who has demonstrated that it is possible to be able to walk with kings 
and never lose the common touch.
  And also, we celebrate his wife, Annie, who has been a constant 
companion at Senator Glenn's side and has always represented the finest 
tradition of American couples. John and Annie Glenn have so much to be 
proud of, and this Nation owes both of them a debt of gratitude, and I 
am glad to see that we are honoring the 45th anniversary of his 
historic flight. Also, I am so pleased that so many of my colleagues 
from Ohio are here to join in paying tribute to John Glenn.
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula).
  (Mr. REGULA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. REGULA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the time.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Glenn, a fellow 
Buckeye, on the 45th anniversary of becoming the first astronaut to 
orbit the earth.
  John Glenn is a pioneer in the field of space exploration and 
science, and his achievements serve as an inspiration for students 
studying math, engineering, science and technology.
  His landmark journey propelled other missions and projects such as 
the first moon landing, NASA'S Hubble Space Telescope, and the 
International Space Station. Our economic prosperity depends 
increasingly on science and technology, and it is because of explorers 
like John Glenn that America remains on the cutting edge of science and 
technology research and discovery.
  I would also add that John's wife, Annie, has always been a 
wonderful, supportive partner in the success of John's endeavors. She 
also deserves our appreciation.
  Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton).
  Ms. SUTTON. I thank the gentleman for the time.
  Madam Speaker, today I join my colleagues from Ohio and across the 
country in the celebration of the 45th anniversary of John Herschel 
Glenn Jr.'s historic journey around our planet.
  Senator Glenn, a proud Ohio native, carried the hopes and dreams of 
an entire country with him on his February 20, 1962 trip. He carried 
those dreams in the tiny Friendship 7 space capsule, no more than 9 
feet high and 6 feet wide atop the Atlas rocket. He carried those 
dreams into orbit at the astonishing speed of 5 miles per second.
  Senator Glenn piloted the Friendship 7 capsule around the globe three 
times, becoming the first American to orbit the earth, an 
accomplishment that raised the spirits of all Americans.
  When speaking about the historic journey, Glenn recounted later 
saying, ``I don't know what you can say about a day in which you have 
seen four beautiful sunsets, three in orbit and one on the surface 
after I was back on board the ship.''
  While Glenn was witnessing sunset from the window of the space 
capsule, the country was witnessing the sun rising on America's 
fledgling space program, and our Nation's hunger for space exploration.
  I had the tremendous honor of meeting Senator Glenn when I was in 
high school. I distinctly remember being in awe of his lifetime of 
accomplishments. He has led this country in almost every way possible, 
as a pioneering adventurer, as a scientist, as a military hero, as an 
elected leader, and as a champion of education.
  Senator Glenn and all of his accomplishments are an embodiment of our 
country's can-do attitude. It is in recognition and eternal gratitude 
that I join my colleagues in rising today to honor this great man and 
the 45th anniversary of his momentous voyage into the great beyond.
  Thank you, Senator Glenn, and may your continued journey through life 
be a lesson in adventure and bravery to us all.
  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise in proud recognition of the 
45th Anniversary of Senator John Glenn's mission piloting the first 
manned orbital mission of the United States. This event spawned decades 
of manned space missions for the United States and eventually a manned 
mission to the moon with the Apollo 11 mission in July of 1969. Senator 
Glenn has served this Nation proud as a Marine Corps Pilot, a U.S. 
Senator, and an Astronaut. He was the third American in Space and the 
first American to orbit the Earth aboard Friendship 7. He also holds 
the honor of being the oldest person ever to go into space in 1998 
aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-95 at age 77. John Glenn 
was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1974, and served the State of 
Ohio proudly until 1999, and was a recipient of the Congressional Space 
Medal of Honor. The NASA Glenn research center, which is located at 
Lewis Field in Cleveland, OH, adopted Senator Glenn's name in 1999. I 
am proud to say that this institution has produced decades of 
aeronautics research and has become of vital part of our community. It 
is in no small part to Senator Glenn that this institution will remain 
a major research center for NASA.
  I am especially proud to be able to say that Senator John Glenn comes 
from my home State of Ohio, he is an icon and a role model for millions 
of youths in our State. His accomplishments provide inspiration for 
every young person from our Great State of Ohio.
  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 252, 
recognizing the 45th anniversary of John Glenn and his historic 1962 
orbital flight aboard Friendship 7.
  I commend my colleague, the Honorable Zach Space for his efforts on 
this resolution and am honored to be an original cosponsor.
  John Glenn's orbital flight and his many extraordinary achievements 
in war and peace are appropriately enumerated and memorialized in this 
resolution--and it is an amazingly long account. Without doubt it is an 
unsurpassed record of accomplishment that includes six Distinguished 
Flying Crosses, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and the only 
Ohioan to serve four consecutive terms in the U.S. Senate.
  At Cape Canaveral on February 20, 1962, John Glenn blasted into space 
and became the first American to orbit the Earth. After several 
excruciatingly long launch pad delays, people all over the world and 
every school child in America heard Scott Carpenter's lift off 
directive--Godspeed John Glenn--soon to be followed by the cool voice 
of the pilot: ``Roger. Zero Gs and I feel fine. Capsule is turning 
around. Oh, that view is tremendous!''
  As he reached an altitude of 162 miles at a velocity of 17,500 miles 
an hour, the excitement quickly turned to tension and apprehension when 
the flight instruments indicated that a loose heat shield threatened a 
safe return. While the capsule skated back through the atmosphere, 
Friendship 7 reported a real fireball outside. To our great relief the 
plume of parachutes and splashdown told us that after a nearly 5 hour 
flight, Glenn was safe and sound back on Earth.
  On February 26, 1962, John Glenn was received with a standing ovation 
before a Joint Session of Congress in this chamber. Parades in 
Washington, New York, and New Concord, Ohio, soon followed. Friendship 
7 is now prominently displayed in the Smithsonian's Air and Space 
Museum near Orville and Wilbur Wright's 1903 Flyer, Charles Lindbergh's 
Spirit of St. Louis and Apollo XI.
  John and Annie Glenn celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on 
April 6th. Annie is a true American hero for her extraordinary personal 
efforts to overcome stuttering. Her public efforts to help others with 
speech and communication disorders are nationally recognized. She 
received the first national award of the American Speech and Hearing 
Association for inspiring those with communicative disorders. The 
National Association for Hearing and Speech Action annually presents 
the Annie Glenn Award to an individual achieving distinction despite a 
communication disorder. She is a national treasure.
  In 1941, John Glenn was on his way to Annie's organ recital at 
Muskingum College

[[Page H4224]]

when he heard over the car radio that Pearl Harbor had been attacked. 
His patriotic public service began shortly thereafter when he 
volunteered for military service and continues today through his work 
at the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at the Ohio State 
University.
  In a lifetime of accomplishment he found in adventure and challenge 
he met with courage. John Glenn is an American hero. He has proudly 
served his Nation as soldier and statesman and he still likes to fly.
  I join my colleagues in urging the passage of the resolution.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend our able 
colleague, Congressman Zack Space of Ohio for recognition of our 
beloved former Ohio Senator John Glenn, who began his distinguished 
career as a World War II and Korean War fighter pilot. Glenn was 
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross six times and holds the Air 
Medal for his service during both of these conflicts.
  As the beginning in a long line of firsts, Senator and Colonel Glenn 
went on to set a transcontinental speed record from Los Angeles to New 
York in July 1957. In February 1962, Glenn piloted the Mercury-Atlas 6 
Friendship 7 spacecraft on the first manned orbital mission of the 
United States. After his distinguished service in these two wars and 
following the first phase of his career as an aviator, John Glenn 
continued his public service as a Senator representing our home State 
of Ohio from 1974-1999.
  Completing his career of firsts, I was proud to see our former 
colleague Senator Glenn bring his career of public service full circle 
in his triumphant 1998 return space voyage; this time as a senior 
citizen. Today I rise to honor his hard work and lifetime of dedication 
to public service. He and his devoted wife have inspired all the world 
with their commitment to family, community, state, nation and the 
future. Their spirit of patriotism, courage, discovery and self 
sacrifice cut a path all can emulate and hope to achieve. Godspeed to 
them for all they have done for others.
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Wilson) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 252.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________