Opinion: When John Glenn rode a missile into space, orbiting Earth was far from routine or safe

Most of the time, at least one American is orbiting Earth in the International Space Station. What seems so routine, if still risky, today was heroically dangerous in 1962, when John Glenn became the first American to orbit our planet. The rocket he rode on was designed to deliver warheads across the world, not humans on peaceful missions into space; the modest, bell-shaped capsule that carried him aloft at 17,000 miles per hour could fit inside most office cubicles.

Glenn, who died Thursday, was the last surviving astronaut of NASA’s original seven. His death has prompted readers to write not only of their fond memories of him and America’s early space program, but also of an entire era. Here are some of their letters.

Frances Terrell Lippman of Sherman Oaks praises Glenn as a member of the “Greatest Generation”:

Role models and American heroes like Glenn are becoming harder and harder to find these days. They make up a rare breed that has become almost extinct. As boomers growing up in the space age of possibilities, we witnessed courage all around us. Citizens fought for civil rights, and a young President Kennedy promised a bright future for our country and for us to soar to the moon.

Glenn’s extraordinary achievements in his 95 years showed us that it was worth taking all the risks he took. He was part of the “Greatest Generation,” whose hard work, determination and benevolence lead this country to greatness.

In a society whose members have become so self-centered and self-absorbed, this is a good time to reflect on a man who was an actual modern-day adventurer and explorer. Glenn was an authentic American hero who made a difference for all mankind. Let us hope that the seeds he planted will produce new pioneers in science, medicine and space travel who will honor his legacy.

Laguna Beach resident Denny Freidenrich pays tribute to Glenn’s fellow explorers:

They were the Magnificent Seven in real life before the popular western film of the same name. Growing up in the late 1950s, my friends and I knew all the names of the Mercury 7 astronauts. Now with Glenn’s passing, none is left.

In the 1970s, my parents told me the single most important event of their lifetime was man landing on the moon. If it hadn’t been for Glenn and his six late “brothers,” life as we know it today might have turned out very differently.

If America ever resumes sending humans into space using our own vehicles, I hope the next rocket launched will be the Mercury II. That would be a fitting tribute to the original astronauts my friends and I knew when we were kids.

Pacific Palisades resident Russ Davies reminds us of Glenn’s lengthy, noteworthy life before he was selected as an astronaut in 1959:

In The Times’ front-page obituary Friday, Glenn’s first career received only a passing mention. In the United States Marine Corp, he served in two wars as an officer and a fighter pilot.

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