Ohio lawmakers seek more honors for John Glenn

In his 95 years on earth, John H. Glenn, Jr. earned a long list of honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a public affairs college that bears his name at Ohio State University.

His fans in the Ohio General Assembly — Democrats and Republicans — have a few more honors they’d like to see bestowed on Glenn, who died in December.

House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, is co-sponsoring a bill that would require the Ohio History Connection to designate Glenn’s childhood home in New Concord as a state historic site.

Related: John Glenn: A storybook life, an American hero

The home is already designed as the John & Annie Glenn Museum and is manged by the Museum Association of East Muskingum. The bill would require a state historic site marker.

State Reps. Fred Strahorn, D-Dayton, and Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, introduced a House Resolution that urges Congress to award the Congressional Medal of Honor to John and Annie Glenn.

Glenn grew up in small-town Ohio, married his childhood sweetheart, served as a fighter pilot in two wars, a test pilot, an astronaut and a U.S. Senator. He blasted to American hero status on Feb. 20, 1962 when he became the first American to orbit the Earth.

Related: Today marks the 55th anniversary of John Glenn's mission around the Earth

Glenn died Dec. 8 at OSU Wexner Medical Center. He is survived by is son and daughter and his wife, Annie. Glenn was the last of the Mercury 7 astronauts to die.

Related: Highlights of John Glenn memorial service in Columbus

Annie Glenn, now 97, overcame a severe stuttering problem and became one of the nation’s leading advocates for people with communicative disorders. Together, the Glenns inspired Americans to give back to the state and nation through public service, according to the resolution.

Related: Columbus airport renamed after John Glenn

Both the bill and the resolution are scheduled to receive hearings in the Ohio Statehouse this week.

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