Mar. 3, 1962 - Lieut. Col. John H. Glenn Jr. almost lost his composure today when he received several tumultuous receptions in his hometown. The police estimated that 50,000 persons crowded into New Concord, Ohio, which has a population of 2,127. The throng lined the streets to cheer the astronaut, who had flown around the world three times in less than five hours since his last visit here. Later in the day, the astronaut seemed near tears several times as he sat before 2,300 persons at a victory luncheon in the gymnasium of Muskingum College and heard himself praised by old friends. He learned, to his obvious surprise, that the gymnasium had been renamed for him. When he rose to speak, he stood silent for a moment, obviously seeking words. Then, his voice quivering, he said: “It’s great to be an American. It’s great to be home. Thank you.”
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