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The Space Flight of Lieutenant Colonel John H. Glenn, Jr., Poem, c. 1962

CONTENT WARNING

Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation. 

Context

John Glenn was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. In 1957, he set a new speed record for traveling from Los Angeles to New York. It was his involvement in the U.S. Space Program, however, that earned him the most fame- a place in American scientific history and pop culture. As a member of the "Mercury 7," Glenn and his team played a role in the U.S. space race against the Soviet Union. Glenn's most significant contribution to the space program occurred on February 20, 1962. As pilot of the Friendship 7, Glenn orbited Earth three times, becoming the first astronaut of any kind, to do so.

Robert J. Murrin, wrote this poem around 1962, after Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth. The copy of the poem features the author's inscription to Virginia Governor Albertis Harrison.


Citation: Murrin, Robert J. The Space Flight of Lieutenant Colonel John H. Glenn, Jr., Springfield, Va. c1962., Broadside 1962 .M9, Special Collections, Library of Virginia

Standards

VS.1, VS.9, USII.1, USII.8, VUS.1, VUS.13

Suggested Questions

Preview Activity

Scan It: Scan the document, what and who is it commemorating?

Post Activities

Another Perspective: If you were poet, who would you write about as a hero for your generation? Why?

Up for Debate: The Space Race played an important role both in technology and in the Cold War between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. Should the U.S. have focused more time/money/resources on other endeavors?

Artistic Exploration: Design a commemorative illustration/poster etc. that may have accompanied Murrin's poem.