John Glenn hopes airport being named for him inspires kids

COLUMBUS (AP) — The airport in Ohio where astronaut John Glenn ogled planes as a kid, came and went to two wars, boarded his first jet and piloted a private aircraft until age 90 has now been named in his honor.

The 94-year-old former U.S. senator said during a ceremony today that he hopes changing Port Columbus' name to John Glenn Columbus International Airport will inspire young people to pursue new aviation advances into the future.

Glenn was joined at the noon event by his wife, Annie, and their children and a host of dignitaries.

The board chairwoman of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority called Glenn "an example of what unwavering Midwestern determination and dogged hard work can lead to."

Glenn, of New Concord, was the first American to orbit the earth.