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John Sidney McCain III 1936 - 2018

Senator John McCain's remarkable record of leadership embodies his unwavering lifetime commitment to service. The son and grandson of distinguished Navy Admirals, Senator McCain graduated from the Naval Academy in 1958, and served as a Naval aviator for 22 years, including in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

On October 26, 1967, during Senator McCain's 23rd bombing mission over North Vietnam, a missile struck his plane and forced him to eject, knocking him unconscious and breaking both his arms and his leg.

Senator McCain was taken as a prisoner of war into the now-infamous "Hanoi Hilton," where he was denied needed medical treatment and subjected to years of torture by the North Vietnamese. He spent much of his time as a prisoner of war in solitary confinement, aided by his faith and the friendships of his fellow POWs.

When he was finally released and able to return home years later, Senator McCain continued his service by regaining his naval flight status.

His last Navy duty assignment was to serve as the naval liaison to the United States Senate. He retired from the Navy in 1981. His naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Senator McCain was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona in 1982 and elected to the United States Senate in 1986. He was the Republican Party's nominee for president in the 2008 election.

Over the course of his career, Senator McCain served as Chairman of the Senate Committees on Indian Affairs, Commerce, Science and Transportation, and most recently, Armed Services.

Senator McCain is survived by his wife, Cindy, seven children and five grandchildren.
He was laid to rest at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.

Memorials and Services

There will be memorial events celebrating the life of Senator John Sidney McCain III in Arizona and Washington, D.C.
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The Story of John Sidney McCain III

U.S. Senator John Sidney McCain III was born on August 29, 1936 at Coco Solo Naval Air Station in the Panama Canal Zone to Lieutenant John S. "Jack" McCain Jr. and Roberta Wright McCain. The son and grandson of four star admirals, he was raised in the navy and in a tradition of military service that began before the American Revolution.

His grandfather, John S. McCain Sr., called "Sid" or "Slew," was the first of the family to attend the United States Naval Academy, and the first to become a naval aviator, earning his wings at the age of fifty. As a passed midshipman, he served in the Philippines on a gunboat skippered by Chester Nimitz, and sailed home to America on the flagship of Teddy Roosevelt's "Great White Fleet." The Senator's colorful great uncle, Brigadier General "Wild Bill" McCain was a West Point graduate, and served under General Pershing in Mexico. Another West Point graduate, General Henry Pinkney McCain, fought in the Battle of Manila, was adjutant general of the Army and established the selective service during World War One. Various McCains served in the armies of the Confederacy during the Civil War, one branch of the family having settled in the mid-19th Century on a plantation in Carrol County, Mississippi. An ancestor served on General Washington's staff, and Washington himself is the Senator's cousin many times removed.

The Senator was the second of Jack and Roberta McCain's three children, arriving after his older sister, Sandy, and before his younger brother, Joe. His early life was nomadic as the family accompanied his father to various duty stations.

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Donate to a Charitable Cause

Senator John McCain's remarkable record of leadership embody his lifetime commitment to service. In celebration of Senator McCain's service to others, please consider learning more about and supporting these two causes which were of critical importance to Senator McCain:

The McCain Institute Foundation
The McCain Institute Foundation is a tax-exempt 501C3 charitable organization founded to support the work of the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University. Guided by values that have animated the career of Senator John McCain and the McCain family for generations, the McCain Institute for International Leadership is dedicated to advancing character-driven global leadership based on security, economic opportunity, freedom and human dignity. LEARN MORE AND LEND YOUR SUPPORT.

Translational Genomics Research Institute
When TGen’s founder, Arizona-born Dr. Jeffrey Trent, was the Scientific Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, Senator McCain was instrumental in convincing him to return to Arizona and bring new knowledge with him, establishing TGen in an effort to turn breakthroughs in genetic research into medical advances. Today, TGen is poised to take that knowledge and transform brain cancer research in honor of Senator McCain. We invite you to join us in honoring Senator John McCain with the establishment of the John S. McCain III Endowed Chair in Brain Cancer Research. LEARN MORE ABOUT GLIOBLASTOMA AND LEND YOUR SUPPORT.

Statements and Tributes

Statement from The Office of Senator John McCain

Senator John Sidney McCain III died at 4:28pm on August 25, 2018. With the Senator when he passed were his wife Cindy and their family. At his death, he had served the United States of America faithfully for sixty years.

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Mourning the Departure of Senator John McCain

I was in the far northern reaches of Canada on a wilderness river when Senator John McCain died. We got to our endpoint—Nahanni Butte—where there was internet connection, and I learned that he passed away a few days earlier. It was not a surprise, obviously. Friends had been keeping me posted about his struggles and diminished strength through the summer. Still, it was a very sad day when I heard the news.

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Tributes at the U.S. Naval Academy Honoring Senator John McCain Today

Tributes at the U.S. Naval Academy Honoring Senator John McCain today by General David H. Petraeus and Jack McCain.

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Remembering John McCain

Through a lifetime commitment to service, John McCain touched the lives of people everywhere he traveled. People from every corner of the world have shared their memories and thoughts about Senator McCain and we invite you to read some of the scrolling messages below. Please share your own memories below.

I feel the loss of you, Senator McCain. I mourn you no longer being here and I know how special you were. I wish you could have stayed.

-- Meredith, Alaska

I am unknown to John, but he is highly regarded by me and many people in Australia, a fine person who many could emulate if they wanted to be a fine person. You have been and continue to be an inspiring person to me and many others. RIP Sir.

-- Paul, Australia

John McCain was a real life Rambo like in the movie that is why I voted for John

-- JOLEEN, Massachusetts

I wish all American would read this hero store. We must all come together in America and be more like him! I will work harder in my live. God Bless Mr.McCain and His Family

-- Mark, Louisiana

Rest in Peace John. There will never be another John McCain.. We will miss you and will pray for you.

-- Paula, Arizona

Senator John McCain was a true American Hero. His Service in Vietnam and in the Senate can be compared to none. He inspired hope and fought for what is right in so many ways. Senator McCain will be truly missed so very much. Much love & sympathy to his family in the loss of this great man.

-- Molly, Texas

Thank you for your years of service to the country, not only in the military but in the senate. You are a true American hero and you will be missed. Rest in peace, sir.

-- Melanie, Colorado

I came to be aware of John McCain as he was active in government service and I deeply regret he did not become the President of the United States. He would have served well. I read his books and have a love of history so I recognize the contributions his family has given. What I love most about Senator McCain was his honesty, and strength, and will do do the right thing. That is real 'true grit.' He had it. He is one of the greats. We need more like him who can pull people together. He did great things. I hope his style will be emulated by those who remain. Thank you and the Senator for serving our country in good times and in bad. But mostly for teaching us how to be honorable, courageous, hopeful, and courteous in the face of adversity.

-- Bill, Illinois

Thank you for your honorable service Sir. You will be greatly missed.

-- Cathy, California

From one sailor to another. Fair winds and calm seas. I may not have always agreed with you but I have always respected you.

-- MARK, Arizona

God bless you and your family. Truly a light in a time of darkness. Thank you for being an example of the greatest human qualities. Rest in peace.

-- Karen, California

RIP John McCain . You have truly set the bar, and no more need be said. Peter

-- Peter, New Jersey

In 1982 John McCain sat down with myself and so to be wife Karen and talked to us at Temple Beth Israel. We occasionally cross ed paths again at different sporting events in the Valley of the Sun. I did volunteer work with his son Andrew at different Fiesta Bowl Events. Hopefully John McCain Name with be on different buildings throughout Arizona. Mr. McCain helped my son Nathan play football in the Down Under Bowl game in Australia in 2009. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ?? STATE OF ARIZONA ??.

-- MICHAEL, Arizona

My friend simpre always Leo

-- Juan Leo, Maryland

Clearly the loss of a fine and decent man ; our sympathy to his family , to his state and his great country. A hero indeed !

-- Al and Angela, Canada

You will be missed. Thank you for your leadership

-- Tom, Wisconsin

I graduated from the Naval Academy in 1959. I remember meeting him on several Saturdays while marching off conduct violations during our time at the academy. In 1969 I acquired a POW bracelet with John?s name and date of captivity inscribed on it. I wore it until his return to the USA. I am giving the bracelet to my grandson, who as been a loyal fan of John since he was 5 years old. John will always be remembered for his courage and loyalty to the United States of America. May he rest in peace knowing that he has fought for a better world and a great America.

-- Patrick, Arizona

Senator McCain was one of the last great politicians in this country. I will remember him as a principled man who stuck to his guns and argued for what he thought was right, regardless of who was on the opposite side of the issue or his party’s position. I doubt that we will be fortunate enough to see any politician like him again. I am grateful to him for his service to our country and to his adherence to his principles. I send my love and respect to his family and hope they will know how much the American people will miss him.

-- David, New Jersey

What a hero. What a legend. What an Example For All Of Us ! There are so many great things that we could say about this man, but the bottom line is for all the misery he went through as a Vietnam POW, he still wanted to serve his country. He never gave up and I think that would be what he would say to all of us today..Never Give Up !! Thank you John McCain for never giving up.

-- Steve, Georgia

As an American, I feel a genuine sense of loss knowing that Senator McCain has passed. No matter what I or anyone may say about his party, or his political choices, no reasonable person would argue about the basics. He was a public servant of the highest order. He was a war hero. He was an outstanding American in every regard. Most importantly, he truly understood and defended American Values, to the very end. We are all better off for the sacrifices he made. I will miss him very much. My humblest and most sincere condolences to his family.

-- Scott, Massachusetts

I am a proud Canadian who has always supported,admired and respected John Mc Cain. I extend my deepest sympathy to his dear and loving family.

-- Sharon, Canada

This is my tribute to an example of Values and Virtues of a Human Being. From a young age he understood that he could go far in service of our country- perhaps with an able help from his family. And as destiny and God would have it, he lands in a foreign country who could have none of his military values. And it is there where he learns that His Country is and should stand for much more that freedom, democracy, but for the benefit of all in this planet. And he matures his senses of Duty, Country, and Liberty, and Love, and Religion. Maturity came from pain and solitude and comparison of values and states of well being. A sense of team, collaboration, and mission and purpose took this young aviator to give true words to the words Hero, Senator, Father, Mentor, Husband, Son, and sailor of Legacy. RIP

-- Gus, California

I never had the chance to meet senator McCain, but he was a patriot and a hero who served this great country passionately both in our military and in congress. he is truly an inspiration to many and respected and loved by all. my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his wife cindy, daughter meghan and the rest of his family and friends at this difficult time.

-- charlie, New York

My thoughts and prayers are with his soul and his family. God Bless him and his family. We will miss his positive impact for ourUnited States.

-- Susan, Arizona

Thank you for your service to our country! Speaking up on issues when it was not so popular! You arrived in Heaven and God said well done my son! Prayers to the family during this most difficult time.

-- Rosalind, Georgia

Should there be a Heaven, Senator McCain will not only be there but will be working hard for it's many angels. I have no words to match the love and grief being expressed now for Senator McCain, but I do want to join in with such remembrances. He is a man of my generation. He represents to me the best the Republican party has to offer. I hope he will be a role model for future Republicans. My love to his family who must miss him but did have his love and devotion for many years.

-- Francia, California

Thank you Senator McCain for your service & sacrifice to our country and your undying/unwavering commitment to make our country better for all. God speed and fly high. Gods blessings of peace to his family and friends.

-- Dana, Illinois

Senator John McCain was a man of integrity and passion. He care about his country and the environment. The fact that he was tortured during the Vietnam war, and was against torturing our enemies today. This showed he was a man of strength. Perhaps, it was not to be for him not to be president; But, he showed through his books and actions in the Senate, that he was a rare and wonderful man with a great wife and family.

-- Kevin, Florida

Fair winds and following seas Warrior. Your sacrifices will not be forgotten.

-- Justin, Arizona

Thank you for putting our country first.

-- Boyer, Ohio

R E S P E C T- one word that embodies John McCain and all he stands for.

-- Cornelia, Georgia

The death of Senator McCain is not only a great loss in the US, his death is a loss for all democrats in the world who fight for freedom and their believes. Senator McCain was an extraordinary and independent personality who did not just say what the present leadership wants to hear. The current policy is poor with characters like him.

-- Torsten, Germany

Senator John McCain is the kind of hero we so needed in today’s political climate. His sense of duty and honor should be the model of today’s youth. My sincere gratitude to his service to our country. He is the model that our young people should strike for nowadays. My sincere condolences to Senator ‘s family.

-- Florence, California

?I worked John McCain’s campaign in New Hampshire and was privileged to meet him several times... the last time we spoke was at Harris Teeter in Arlington VA. He shopped in the store across from our apartment. I reintroduced myself and we chatted about the F-35 Program and when were done he shook my hand and thanked me for my service... after all he did and was doing... what a guy!!!?

-- Kent, California

Senator McCain lived America’s best qualities: patriotism, integrity, compassion and principled advocacy among them. His example lives on for all of us.

-- Fred, California

I did not have the honor to know the senator personally . But I know his actions matched his life. He demonstrated what America is when it's operating at its it's best. COURAGE INTEGRITY AND COMPASSION. A TRUE AMERICAN HERO. WELL DONE MY FAITHFUL SERVANT ENTER N REST IN GODS HOUSE. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.

-- M, Alaska

A true american he will never be forgotten

-- Deborah, California

I met the Honorable Senator John McCain and his lovely wife in Ft Lauderdale at a fundraiser during his 2008 campaign. It was an honor to meet and speak with him and it terribly saddening that he is now gone. He was a role model for every American.

-- Ron, Florida

HERO Above Them All. While he might not have agreed with every person, he respected them all. He saw the best in everyone and spoke the truth as he knew it. God Bless John McCain.

-- Lawrence, Virginia

Senator McCain was a great man, and a hero. He will be so missed but always remembered. Rest In Peace, John.

-- Frederick, Maryland

As a young person starting to notice politics, I first became familiar with Senator McCain when he was running for President and selected Sarah Palin as his running mate. In the years after that, I would see him in the news and was impressed with his work and the heart felt sentiment he gave upon his return to the Capital after his diagnosis. We need more people like the Senator both in government and society. Patriotism is everything and too many people treat it like nothing these days. That needs to change.

-- Bobbi, Pennsylvania

My deep condolences to the McCain family. One of the best politicians in the Western world.

-- ALESSANDRO, Italy

As a State Department official in the 1990s, I had the incomparable privilege of returning to Vietnam with Senator John McCain as we sought to obtain the fullest possible accounting for those military service members whose fates had not been resolved or whose bodies had not been recovered. It was there that I witnessed what I considered to be perhaps his ultimate mission, as Senator Mc Cain fulfilled the bond that had united us all in combat, that we would never leave fallen comrades behind. He was a true American hero, and a personal hero to me.

-- Kenneth, Iowa

Senator McCain, Your passing causes me much sadness. There are very few men like you that loved our country as much as you did in your lifetime. Thank you for your service to our beloved country.

-- Alice, California

My memory of John McCain is that he always was straight to the point. I am a Democrat and there were things that I did not agree with. But what I loved the most is that he reached across the aisle i know he is watching down on his family and smiling and saying "keep o fighting". You will be greatly missed. Tracyann, New Jersey

-- Tracyann, New Jersey

We remember him,he was a great hero

-- Ramon, Florida

Senator John McCain rest in peace you are truly missed God bless and may he cradle you in his arms

-- Kevin Michael, Arizona

I would like to sincerely thank a great, brave and most admirable American, Senator John McCain for everything, for his worldwide fight and commitment to freedom and democracy, - and for his longtime and decisive support to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

-- Michael, Sweden

He has always been one of my favorite people. I served as Sgt Major in the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret). I also served as Mayor of my muicipaity for 2 terms. Condolences to the family on the loss of a TRUE HERO AND AMERICAN. Former Mayor Ray Cahoon

-- Raymond, Alabama

My family and I had the honor of meeting Senator McCain at a craniofacial conference on Capital Hill in 1999. He was so kind and spoke with each family individually. A few years later and after exhausting all hope with a very crooked insurance company , I turned to the Senator for guidance on how to get my daughter’s medical procedure covered. He, in turn, contacted our insurance company and had the final appeal overturned and approved. He did not have to help us but he did. A man of integrity and character. We will always be grateful. Forever in our hearts. Well done good and faithful servant??

-- Kim, Texas

Thank You

We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support and comfort our family has received during this time of great loss. Your letters and messages remind us of the incredible impact John's life has had on so many people from Arizona, across the country, and around the world. John lived every day with vigor, vitality, and an insatiable desire to serve the country he deeply loved. While we've lost a central part of our family and an irreplaceable American leader, we can all honor John's life by continuing his legacy of service and leaving this world a better place for generations to come.

-- The McCain Family

If so inclined, flowers may be sent to your local VA Hospital. Thank you.