In Ohio, Feb. 20 marks John Glenn's historic space flight

COLUMBUS (AP) — Astronaut John Glenn says he didn’t lobby for a day in Ohio that bears his namesake. But he says he hopes it will bring attention to possibilities in America and encourage students to use their talents to the fullest.

Glenn spoke today at the ceremonial signing of a new state law that marks Feb. 20 as “John Glenn Friendship 7 Day.” He piloted the “Friendship 7” spacecraft on the United States’ first manned orbital mission on Feb. 20, 1962.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the flight. Ohio State University plans to honor Glenn with events next month.

Glenn represented Ohio in the U.S. Senate for 24 years. He also served as a U.S. Marine Corps pilot in World War II and the Korean War before joining NASA.