While I often disagreed with his political choices, I always deeply respected him as a man of honor. Rest in peace, John McCain, you were my Senator.
-- Bonnie, Arizona
Senator John McCain: You have help me a number of times I am in your debt Sir. There are no words to say how much you will be missed sir.The United States has lost a great man and he will be missed. My prayers are with the family and may the father in heaven let you in sir when you arrive at the gates of heaven.God bless you sir as a veteran my self sir I have a heavy heart we have lost a brother in arms. may your soul rest in peace. Almighty father please take special care of this soul in Jesus name amen.
-- Antonio, Texas
A great American, I will miss him.
-- Jack, Pennsylvania
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 admirably employed his abilities improving the state of Arizona
and his country USA.
-- Mildred, New York
He fought the good fight. Godspeed
-- Michael, New York
I met Senator McCain when he was on the campaign trail in NH. I attended his town hall meeting in Wolfeboro, NH. I asked him if he would wear my son’s memorial bracelet. I know he has worn it since that day. This country has lost a true hero and patriot. I am proud to call him a friend! He will be sadly missed.
-- Lynn, Kentucky
It’s hard to imagine American political life without Senator John McCain. His departure leaves a void of congressional leadership, of national security thought and moral direction that seems nearly impossible to fill. If ever there were a moment when his presence is necessary, this tumultuous time in our country’s politics is it. The country - and the world - are better for his service to them both.
It is also difficult to imagine my own life without John McCain. The years I spent on his staff, and every day I've known him since, has been a personal and professional privilege. I joined his office while in my twenties, not quite knowing the amazing adventure that would unfold over the next half-decade. Legislative victories and defeats, jokes and war stories and history lessons, trips to Iraq and Uzbekistan and the South Pole - all with a certain presidential campaign thrown into the mix - this was the stuff my experience.
It was extraordinary, and I count myself among the very luckiest: those honored to know John McCain.
Like so many, I will miss him dearly. But our sorrow should be leavened by the transformative effects he left on the views and careers of his Senate colleagues, staff and friends. Senator McCain's fingerprints are all over America’s law and policy, our institutions and even the way in which Americans think of ourselves and our role in the world. And in all this, he leaves behind something far, far greater than himself – a legacy which is, by his own reckoning, the best measure of a meaningful life.
-- Richard, Virginia
Rest in Peace John. There will never be another John McCain.. We will miss
you and will pray for you.
-- Paula, Arizona
RIP Senator McCain. May God be with his family and many friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
-- Roxanne, Michigan
It was my honor to work for the Senator, 18+ years. He always listened to what staff had to say, even if it was a different opinion. I respected and admired him greatly. RIP
-- Deborah, Arizona
John McCain: An Honest, Loving, and Honorable Man. He was A Man of Strength, Integrity, Bravery and Faith. He had a wonderful sense of Humor and they say, "he had a bit of a temper"! Bless You John, You will be incredibly missed by Your Family and Friends. Your "Foes" won't know where to find a "Fair Honest Fight"!! A Life Fully and Well Lived...Rest now....C. Sue Collins
-- Connie, California
Senator McCain transcended political parties and represented the best of Arizona and America. He will be sorely missed.
-- Cheryl, Arizona
A few years ago, I wrote Senator John McCain a letter. In the letter, I wrote to him about a charity that he was working on to help the disenfranchised and poor here in America. I wanted to know, from him, why we did not hear more about wonderful things like about his work in the news. I also wrote in the letter that I am a Democrat. Therefore, I did not expect to hear back from him. But, I did. He sent a most wonderful warm response and signed it in ink (smile). I am a US Veteran. Senator McCain's service is and always be unmatched. When we lost him, the sorrow is as great as the day we lost John F. Kennedy. Our Nation's Hero set the highest example that MOST will never achieve. But, at least we can honor him and keep trying!
-- Stan-Joseph, Georgia
I was privileged to represent John in a few small legal matters back in the 1990’s. John retained me because our mutual friend, John Dowd, referred me. I remember feeling enormously proud to represent a man I so deeply admired. He was an easy client to please. His colleague Jon Kyl and I were law partners for twenty-six years before he went to the House of Representatives with John. And I had the rare pleasure of watching a football game or two with him at Sun Devil Stadium. While my interaction with him was infrequent, I immensely enjoyed his quick smile and a few small things we shared about my service in the USAF and his in the USN. Perhaps the most important reminder I have of him is the blurb he wrote for the back cover of my 2004 book about the famous Miranda v. Arizona case. I was an Independent voter when John first came to Arizona, and I voted for him every time. He was brave, good, and true. There are others, but very few in the U.S. Senate today.
-- Gary, Arizona
I was in the USAF in SWA when John McCain was taken hostage by the NVA. We did everything we could to rescue him but to no avail. John McCain will always be a true American Hero to everyone in the military. I’m positive he has “...reached out and touched the face of God”
-- Tom, Alabama
Proud to have served with John, not only in the Navy, but in the cells of North Vietnam prisons. We traveled together all the way from the jet training squadron (John an instructor - I a student) in Meridian, MS, through our time in prison and eventually time together in the Pentagon. An adventuresome life, but as we both agree, a life of unbelievable blessings. Fair winds my friend and my God Bless you and God Bless America.
-- Capt. William (Bill), Washington
You will be missed my friend. My memories in our work to make America what it is today.
-- Randall Spreitzer, Arizona
I only knew Senator McCain from TV. I saw in Him a strong virtuous man. I am not religious, but I wish my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. I doubt He will EVER be forgot. Least of all by me. Love John T.
-- John, Nebraska
I am a Texas resident, but that Didn’t keep me from Donating to Mr McCain re- election campaign.To me he was a true Republican. Admire his tenacity, and courage . True warrior. He will be missed by a lot of people. My condolences to all the Mc Cain family. May his Soul Rest In Peace.
-- Gustavo, Texas
Senator McCain gave a truly memorable speech at my graduation at the University Of Penn. in 2001. He opened with this statement: “The invitation to give this commencement address is a great honor for someone who graduated fifth from the bottom in the United States Naval Academy Class of 1958. To stand here in full academic regalia, and address an audience of distinguished academics and their learned students has reaffirmed my long held faith that in America anything is possible
-- Vick, Arizona
I voted for this great hero for President, and felt he would have been great and better than the man he ran against..........RIP Senator McCain
-- Barbara, Illinois
A great american - thank you for your friendship to Germany - we will not forget.
R.I.P.
-- Thomas, Germany
He was a great man and my hope in this hard time for our country. Will be remembered forever!
-- vladislav, Pennsylvania
I never had the honor of meeting Senator McCain, but my daughter will know who he was, when she is older. I hope one day she will see in me, what I saw in John McCain, a man of honor and integrity, who had the courage to stand for his beliefs. Someone who did the right thing, because it was the right thing to do, even when it came at great personal sacrifice. He was one of the few people who I wholeheartedly respect and I am eternally grateful for the courage and commitment he showed throughout his life. Fair winds and following seas!
-- Jason, Hawaii
Thank you for putting our country first.
-- Boyer, Ohio
God bless this family. Remarkable gentleman. His family and world has lost a true leader.
-- Susan, Nevada
A man who seemed to care. A man with a sense of humor. He had my vote as a person I could ask to be my representative.
-- Scott, Virginia
Greatest hero of our time. Thank you for the examples you have set.
-- Lien, Maryland
We were very fortunate to be the beneficiaries of John McCain's courage, patriotism, and principled politics. May God bless John McCain and his family.
-- Robert, Maryland
He did a great job and will be missed. My prayers and thoughts for the McCain family.
-- Maria, Delaware
It was not until after I retired from the Navy in 1976 that I had the opportunity to read about and then follow the career of the man who has become a hero to so many of us. Senator McCain earned the respect of all those who he represented - and he represented us all - here in Arizona and across the country. We have all benefited from having as our American champion, Our Senator, John McCain.
-- Ed, Arizona
John taught me that character is the most important quality of a leader....measured by actions ... guantified with respect ...appreciated with love...he was an awesome soul!
-- Bernie, Massachusetts
I really want to extend my most heartfelt sympathy to Sen. McCain's family. While I didn't always agree with his politics, I ALWAYS admired his integrity, honor, and humility. It makes his loss doubly sorrowful in the political climate of today. While I didn't know him personally, I feel confident that he was a truly good man all the way down to his soul. I believe we can all learn something from his life, and we should strive to be as true a person as he was. And again, my deepest sympathy to all of his family. He will be missed.
-- Sheri, California
John was one of the good guys. I'm not American & not a fan of the Republicans. But John was a man to look up to, whatever your politics. You will be missed.
RIP
-- John, United Kingdom
Happy trails good friend till we meet again! Rest well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-- Thomas N, Arizona
I am a democrat in Tucson, AZ. I have great respect for this man. He worked across the aisle for the good of ALL Americans and the whole world. There will never be anyone like him. I bet Aretha Franklin is ushering him into heaven with her songs!!! Well done, good and faithful servant!
-- Kathleen, Arizona
Senator McCain is a true American hero. Inspirational and a fresh breath of air in a polluted political circle. May God welcome home his child. Que Dios lo bendiga!
-- Jorge, New York
Here is what I said to the US Senate Armed Services Committee at my confirmation hearing last November.
"Senator McCain and other members of the SASC, it is an honor to be here. It is humbling to be considered for this position and I thank Secretary Mattis and the President for placing their trust and confidence in me. Senator McCain- as a young Air Force officer going through Aerospace Medicine Primary and SERE training in the early 1980’s, one of your fellow POW’s who spoke to our class mentioned your name as an exemplar of
courage and integrity and I have always looked up to you."
I meant every word. After I read this, Sen. McCain quietly said, "Thank you..."
-- Dean, California
Citizen – hero – patriot
-- Citizen – hero – patriot, New Jersey
Remembering a very, very good man. What a great example John McCain left for us to follow. Farewell brave hero. Sleep well.
-- Audrey, New Jersey
Please accept my most sincere condolences. Senator John McCain was a true hero and statesmen, his leadership will be a great loss to our county
-- Pamela, Florida
As a fellow Navy veteran. I had a lot of respect for what Senator McCain went through in Vietnam. My condolences to your family.
-- Edna, North Carolina
I have learnt from the life of Senator McCain what distinguishes an outstanding leader: He knows who he is; what he stands for; what he believes in; where he is going; and most of all; he epitomizes character-driven leadership in action. I understood from his life example that 'Leadership is not something we stand for, rather, it is a stand for something'!
-- Karambu, Kenya
Thank you.
-- Victor, Arizona
I loved him too. Met John at the Memorial Day celebration at the veterans cemetery two years ago and gave him a kiss and a hug. I wispered in his ear that I loved him and thanked him for all he did for the people of Arizona. He stood back a bit and looked me in the eye and said, you made my day and you’re very welcome. He made me feel like the most important person in the whole world at moment. I’ll ever forget that sweet person.
-- JoAnn, Arizona
Senator McCain was a rare individual and a true American hero. He will be greatly missed. It was my honor to work on his Presidential campaign. My sincere condolences to his close friends and family.
-- Becky, Missouri
Just wanted to share my interactions with Senator McCain.
When I was 16, I was a page in the US Senate (100th Congress, 2nd session). McCain was still very early in his first term. He was incredibly nice to all the pages. We loved him. He would keep candy in his desk on the senate floor, and have one of the Cloak Room staffers keep it filled with candy for us (and others). We affectionately called him the "Candy Man."
Seriously, I loved that guy. One of the nicest senators I interacted with.
-- Chris, Arizona
I was very saddened to hear of Mr. McCain's passing. I was (and still am) an admirer of the man. I wish he had run for president. He was one of the few true patriots in this country. He will be sorely missed.
-- Teresa, Nebraska
"We have to fight. We have to fight against propaganda and crackpot conspiracy theories. We have to fight isolationism, protectionism, and nativism. We have to defeat those who would worsen our divisions. We have to remind our sons and daughters that we became the most powerful nation on Earth by tearing down walls, not building them." America will be poorer for losing the voice of this brave. RIP
-- Michael, Texas