As Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller gave a folded American flag to John Glenn's widow, Annie, she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Neller presided over Thursday's funeral for Glenn, an astronaut, senator and Marine veteran, who was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Like the other 175 Marines who took part in the solemn ceremony, Neller ignored the pouring rain to give Glenn a final salute and offer comfort to Annie, and Glenn's son, John David, and daughter, Carolyn Ann. Prior to the graveside ceremony, the commandant eulogized Glenn, who died of cancer on Dec. 8. Thursday would have marked Glenn's 74th wedding anniversary with Annie. 

As a Marine aviator, he flew nearly 150 combat missions during World War II and the Korean War. Ultimately, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross six times for his wartime bravery, making the first supersonic flight across the U.S. and his Friendship 7 mission into space.

Annie Glenn, widow of John Glenn, kisses Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller on the cheek during the April 6 funeral for her husband.

Photo Credit: Marine Corps

Neller said on Thursday that he felt "completely humbled and honored to represent the Marine Corps as we laid to rest an American hero, a loving father and husband, a Marine." 

After presenting folded flags to Glenn's family, Neller peeled off his white gloves, took off his cover and knelt in front of Annie Glenn to offer more words of comfort. The two held hands before parting. 

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