Bill Text: VA HJR234 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending John Herschel Glenn, Jr.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2012-02-03 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ234ER) [HJR234 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2012-HJR234-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, February 20, 2012, marks the 50th anniversary of John Herschel Glenn, Jr.'s, historic Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 flight, the first manned orbital mission of the United States; and WHEREAS, a distinguished veteran of World War II and the Korean War, John Glenn spent several years as a test pilot before being selected as one of the original seven astronauts in the United States space program; and WHEREAS, as a Project Mercury astronaut, John Glenn was assigned to NASA Space Task Group at Virginia's Langley Research Center in Hampton, where he received training in preparation for his mission; and WHEREAS, the Space Task Group then relocated to Houston and became part of what is now the Johnson Space Center; and WHEREAS, on February 20, 1962, John Glenn was launched into space aboard the Mercury capsule Friendship 7 from the Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 14 and became the first American to orbit the Earth; and WHEREAS, John Glenn completed three orbits of the planet, reaching an approximate altitude of 162 statute miles and an approximate orbital velocity of 17,500 miles per hour over the course of almost five hours before landing in the waters off Grand Turk Island; and WHEREAS, this remarkable technological feat inspired the nation, demonstrating that American ingenuity and determination could break barriers that had previously been thought to be impenetrable; and WHEREAS, the spectacular success of the fledging space program instilled in students across the country a desire to study math, science, and engineering and stimulated the minds and imaginations of people across the country and around the world; and WHEREAS, a true patriot, John Glenn has embodied the ideals of American citizenry, serving his country as a soldier, astronaut, and United States Senator; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend John Herschel Glenn, Jr., on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his piloting the first manned orbital mission of the United States; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John Herschel Glenn, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his tremendous accomplishments in space exploration and the scientific advancement of the United States. |
