American Heroes

Visit the John Glenn Archives

Sen. John and Annie Glenn knew firsthand the satisfaction that comes from deep commitments — to family, the nation and their passions. 

John Glenn’s life not only bridged a span of breathtaking technological and scientific advancement, but he was at the center of many of them. He was the first American to orbit Earth, and decades later, at age 77, he became the oldest astronaut to travel in space. His commitment to public service led him to join the U.S. Marines as a combat pilot, serve as a United States Senator and, in retirement, establish the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University. He died Dec. 8, 2016, at the age of 95. 

Annie Glenn was the wife and lifelong companion of Sen. Glenn. The two were married for 73 years and had two children. In midlife, she conquered her speech impediment and found her voice as an advocate for others who struggled as she did. She died on May 19, 2020, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was 100. 

Browse the stories below to learn more about John and Annie Glenn. 

Read about John Glenn's Life and Legacy

John Glenn: The Marine

Sen. John Glenn was a highly decorated Marine Corps fighter pilot who flew 149 combat missions in World War II and the Korean War.

John Glenn: The Astronaut

At 9:47 a.m. on Feb. 20, 1962, the nation and the world anxiously watched or listened as an Atlas rocket, belching 367,000 pounds of flaming thrust, blasted Glenn’s Friendship 7 capsule into space and into orbit around the Earth. 

 

John Glenn: The Senator

In his 24 years as a senator, John Glenn cast more than 9,400 votes on issues including education, environment, health, older adults, civil rights, military readiness, regulatory reform, limiting the expansion of nuclear weapons and increasing scientific research.

John Glenn: The Educator

Sen. John Glenn tirelessly supported education and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University. “If my experience can help inspire young people to dedicate themselves to committed citizenship, I’m glad to help,” he said. “Public service is an honorable profession, almost akin to being in the ministry.” 

 

Glenn's Commitment to Ohio State and the Glenn College

Annie Glenn: Portrait of Resilience

Annie Glenn's strength of character shined through her dedication to her family and community service.

Read about Annie Glenn's Life

John and Annie Glenn: Family Commitment

Sen. John and Annie Glenn were an inseparable couple.

Learn about John and Annie's family

A Video Collection: Celebrating Sen. John and Annie Glenn

Enjoy this compilation of select videos highlighting the lives of Sen. John and Annie Glenn.

View the Videos