In February 1962, astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth.
Godspeed, John Glenn.
— Scott Carpenter, spoken from the Pad 14 blockhouse as Friendship 7 lifted off, but not over the ground-to-air circuit and so not heard by John Glenn. From ‘God Spede you,’ or God prosper you, which is a 15th century Middle English expression of good wishes to a person starting a journey. Test conductor Tom O’Malley followed with “May the good Lord ride all the way.” 20 February 1962.
Zero G and I feel fine.
— John Glenn, first American in orbit. NASA scientists were still debating how humans would handle long periods of zero g, and there were many health concerns. Glenn’s line from Earth orbit directly addressed these concerns, 20 February 1962
It was quite a day. I don’t know what you can say about a day when you see four beautiful sunsets. . . . This is a little unusual, I think.
— John Glen, American Chronicle, 1962.
That was a real fireball.
— John Glenn, re-entry, 20 February 1962
I am a stranger. I come in peace. Take me to your leader and there will be a massive reward for you in eternity.
— Note carried by John Glenn on his historic flight, translated into several languages, for use if he splashed down in the remote South Pacific seas.