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John Glenn’s Contribution to NASA’s Space Program Honored at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Remembrance held in front of Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®

Caption, left to right: Former astronauts Robert Cabana, Jon McBride, Al Worden and Winston Scott remember the late John Glenn and his enormous contributions to the space program in front of Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®. The façade of the building, which opened last month, bears his likeness, along with the rest of the Mercury 7 crew.

CAPE CANAVERAL (December 9, 2016) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – A ceremony was held at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex this afternoon to honor NASA astronaut and Ohio Senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, who passed away on Dec. 8, at the age of 95.  Held in front of Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the ceremony included remarks by space shuttle astronaut Jon McBride; Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; and Robert Cabana, director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, and space shuttle astronaut. The ceremony was attended by Apollo astronaut Al Worden and space shuttle astronaut Winston Scott.

"We at Delaware North join NASA and all Americans in mourning the loss of John Glenn, a legendary American hero who made invaluable contributions to the space program and to the country,” said Rick Abramson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Delaware North, which operates Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for NASA.

The ceremony took place at 1:30 this afternoon and highlighted Glenn’s illustrious career as an astronaut pioneer as well as a national hero. Born in Ohio, Glenn flew combat missions in both World War II and the Korean War as a Marine aviator. As one of NASA's original Mercury 7 astronauts, Glenn's flight aboard Friendship 7 on February 20, 1962, launched America to the forefront of the space race. He continued to serve his country as a four-term Senator from Ohio. He was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1998, at the age of 77, he flew on the STS-95 Discovery space shuttle flight, becoming the oldest human in space.

“The impact of John Glenn’s legacy will always be present for our visitors,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “He will be forever a pioneer who inspired the world. We are privileged to honor him and his invaluable contributions to his country and space exploration.”  

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About Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun, inspiration and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® A Beautiful Planet 3D and Journey To Space 3D films, Astronaut Encounter, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, Science on a Sphere®, Rocket Garden, Cosmic Quest, and many other exhibits. On November 11, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opened Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season.  Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
 
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Media Contacts:
Andrea Farmer, [email protected], 321-449-4318 or 321-223-1091
Lauren Eisele Walbert, Sandy Hillman Communications, [email protected], 410-616-8943