LugerForum Discussion Forums - A hero leaves us

I had the distinct honor of a chance meeting with John Glenn and his family about 12 years ago at the National Air and Space Museum Annex (Near Dulles Airport) while on a Grandfather/Grandson outing with my 12 year old grandson Andrew. That museum was still in the growing stages at the time, and I believe that it was John Glenn's first visit to the facility.

My grandson and I had toured the new museum and had stopped at the only food stand available at the time... a Subway franchise that sold only box lunches. As we sat at a long cafeteria style table, a family walked past us and sat down a few chairs from our own. It took a minute for me to recognize him in person, but before I told my grandson I decided it would be a good idea to go and ask if I was correct...:eek:

John Glenn not only confirmed his identity , but introduced us to his lovely wife and children...

I told this astronaut during lunch that while our politics differed by 180 degrees, that he had been one of my heroes since I was a very young man, and that I was honored to meet him and his family in person.

When lunch was over, we took some photos (of course) and said our goodbyes... my grandson beaming on his good fortune to meet one of the original 7 Astronauts... and then as we passed the museum store, I realized that I had missed an opportunity to get this hero's autograph. We went into the store, and browsed the books until we found one with a story about John Glenn's orbital history... I bought two copies... and we went back and found him again. John Glenn very graciously autographed the page in both our books and as you can imagine, we left the museum smiling. A lifetime event I shall never forget...

The downside? It was the very first outing with Andrew that his Grandmother had not accompanied us... She missed out... She regrets it to this day that she didn't go along...

If I find the photo tonight of John Glenn and Andrew, I will post it in this thread.