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Recognizing real heroes when they are among us

At a time when skepticism about those to whom we look up is high, Ohioans are fortunate to have two heroes about whom there is no question at all. They are Annie Glenn and her husband, the late John Glenn.

On Sunday, the John and Annie Glenn Museum in New Concord is to be dedicated as a site on the National Register of Historic Places. It is in the house where John Glenn grew up.

Glenn did it all, in a way. He flew 57 combat missions as a Marine pilot in World War II. He shot down three enemy aircraft during the Korean War. Then he became a test pilot — before, as an astronaut, he helped lead Americans into space. And with the 50th anniversary of the moon landing approaching this July, Glenn’s memory should be among those in the spotlight. He may have never stepped on the moon but he pushed our nation in the right trajectory, that’s for sure.

And oh, yes, he served Ohio in the U.S. Senate for nearly a quarter-century. He passed away in 2016.

Annie Glenn, at 99 years of age, continues to be involved in a variety of worthy causes. She has been honored as a role model for those coping with communications disorders.

Young people today are urged often to question the label “hero.” Taking them on a visit to the Glenn museum would be a good way to show them the real thing does exist.

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