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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.
Please see below for more information:

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.

He was simply, my hero...

-- Dianne, Michigan

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

thank you for your service to our country both in the military and senate! my sympathy to the McCain family

-- Arlene, Mississippi

I just like him, without reservation, one of a kind human being who brings up high the core value we all shall fight to keep.

-- Helen, Canada

I had the honor of being a delegate to the 2008 Republican National Convention. I enjoyed meeting Senator McCain there and remain proud to have helped nominate him for President.

-- David, Georgia

as a wife of a Marine jet pilot serving his tour in Vietnam , I was so afraid my husband could be shot down and taken as POW. We have a bracelet to this day framed on the wall in our company of a RIO of his f-4 phantom still listed as missing after all these years. after 121 missions Richard did come home but lost about 1/3 of his squadron. We saw Orson Swindle come off the plane in 73' whom rich had met in the Philippines on R&R and a fellow POW of Sen McCain and have followed Sen McCain's career. We send our sincere regards to the family and this time of our lives during the war will never be forgotten and those that served. jan & Rich Buckley

-- janet, California

I had the opportunity to talk with Senator McCain many times in Yuma and in DC. In 2008 I was a delegate from Yuma to the Republican National Convention in MN. Senator. McCain and family sat right in front of me and being there was just awesome. I went door to door for him in Vegas - it was my honor. God bless you Senator McCain - you are in a better place. Thank you for all you did for this country.

-- Cindy, Arizona

Thank You !

-- Alvin, Pennsylvania

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

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

Much loved, much respected, very much missed - God speed Senator McCain

-- Loretta, Pennsylvania

My condolences to his family and friends, he stood for his beliefs and this country and thats why I voted for him when he ran for President

-- Dennis, Ohio

My husband Richard (USMC Viet Nam 1967) and I express our appreciation for Senator McCain's service, of all kinds. And sorrow to his family as he will be deeply missed. May God bless you, each one, and grant you comfort and deeper faith in Christ alone.

-- Kathryn, Arizona

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Sen McCain was one of those rare individuals who possessed both courage and honor. Rare qualities on their own but even more extraordinary when combined. All of our lives have been enriched by his service. My father was seriously hurt in Korea. losing his right leg, right hand and the sight in both eyes. But he married a beautiful woman, raised four children and ran his own business for 20 years. I always looked up to and was inspired by my father for overcoming his disabilities. I looked up to Sen McCain in the same way.I Have been a life long democrat, but if I lived in Arizona I would have returned John McCain to the Senate over and over again. John McCain was a true American Hero. Thank you for your service doesn't begin to express the gratitude he deserves.

-- Timothy, New York

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

Stay in hell forever! I hope you will see many children from vietnam war bastard! Murder is in hell

-- Czech, Czechia

I never met Sen. McCain, but I will miss you. Even though I am more liberal than conservative, I respected you and am grateful for your service to our country.

-- David, Missouri

Mr. McCain, Very saddened, to hear of your passing. I remembered the good times,over looking the bad times. I was stationed, in Vietnam, in 71-72. Like you, 08/19/51 is a good month, for me. I pray for your family, with these difficult times. You have given me incentive, to return to the Medical field. Have been an RN for 38 years. God bless your family. Keep the faith. Allen Duquette.

-- Allen, New York

I had the proud preivlege of meet Sentor McCain during a campaign rally stop in Wisconsin during his second campaign bid. His way of politics and reaching across the aisle in Congress will be missed. The maverick will be missed. I wish his soul rest and hold his family up in my prayers during this difficult time.

-- Martin, Wisconsin

Sen. McCain, you will be missed. Even though I did not agree with all your opinions. I respected the integrity and conviction you held and carried yourself with. America lost a great public servant today. God be with you.

-- Andrew, California

Three years ago I had the privilege of meeting Senator McCain at Regan Airport. He was gracious and cordial when we talked. I may not have agreed with him on everything but never ceased to admire him for standing for his principles and his dedication to our Country. Well done faithful servant.

-- Barbara, Indiana

Semper Fidelis, John. You were always one of my heroes and held the ideals of our country to such a high esteem that I became a Republican back in the late 90s when I was a Marine. You will be sorry missed, but the marines at the gate to your next destination will will be happy to see you.

-- Miguel, Virginia

I never got the honor to meet John, what I seen and watched him he was a True American. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. R.I.P John McCain

-- Michael, Michigan

True American Hero...May his soul Rest In Peace in God’s perpetual light

-- Dave, New York

I remember spending time in Michigan traveling and attending events as we campaigned for his Presidency in Michigan. I found him to be very heartfelt when we spoke one on one. I shall remember him with rsspect forever. Senator McCain has been missed by numerous individuals.

-- Judy Todd, Michigan

Senator McCain was a HERO and a great person. I never met him but, you do not have too to know that he was a good person. Rest is Peace Sir.

-- ALLAN, California

Admiration for a life well lived, by a refugee from Vietnam, still in-exile after 43 years.

-- TRINH, Maryland

A true American. He had more guts than any other president.

-- Mir, Bangladesh

While I didn’t always agree with Senator McCain, he was a patriot, and on two occasions I wrote him, he either answered or sent my letter to my congressman. I admired him, and even if I didn’t always agree, I thought he was a patriot, a man who went thru a living hell so many of us can’t imagine, and he served his country with honor and A sense of what was right. May God bless him always!

-- Carlos, Texas

He gave me a glimpse of what a George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's Courage, Honor and devotion to the truth was like. They would have been proud to have known him as a friend.

-- Garrick, New York

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

Senator McCain's sense of duty, honor and sacrifice to his country was second to none, and his deeply-held convictions that mirrored those beliefs was exemplified on his personal life, both public and private. We shared service in Vietnam, but the statement that "all gave some, some gave all" surely describes the Senator for those warriors who are willing to fight for their nation. May his legacy be enhanced by his willingness to fight the battles he undertook for the welfare of this nation. Semper Fi.

-- Mark, Arizona

Senator McCain always spoke with clear conscience, and did the right thing for the country. He is the one that makes America great.

-- Patrick, Texas

Not just a geat American, but a grand human being.

-- Shelly, Texas

Shook hands with John and his beautiful wife when I did a little work on his 2008 presidential campaign. Nice people.

-- Gilbert, California

My husband, John and I voted for Senator McCain in his last race for the presidency! We believed strongly in his values, as they were ours. He upheld the strength and importance of our military. He was my sister's age, if she were alive today. My husband, John, is just 8 years his junior and served in the Army National Guard, but he could have been called up for Vietnam in a heart beat. He served at home with collage riots and the burning of Baltimore during the late 60's. I am 12 years his junior. During the Vietnam War, many suffered and died...yet many survived... John McCain was the ultimate survivor then went on to serve our USA admirably for many years...right up until he succumbed to brain cancer . May God bless his soul! Bless his family with Your Strength and Comfort, Lord!

-- Deborah, South Carolina

RIP fellow Vietnam Veteran. We met during your 2008 campaign and I was hopeful you would win the presidency. But it was not to be. Blue skies and tailwinds fellow pilot.

-- clyde, Michigan

Senator John McCain was a true American hero and a champion for All people. He made the world a better place through his actions and words. Rest In Peace, Senator.

-- Stephen, New York

I first met John McCain during the 1982-83 school year at Northern Arizona University. I remember it was a small event and John got up and addressed the group; and he shared his vision as he embarked on his first elected office representing Arizona. I left that event and remember telling a good friend how impressed I was by JOHN MCCAIN! All these years later I still feel the same. John McCain was a true patriot and he will be missed by All Americans! RIP dear friend! Thank you for your Leadership!! As a young student, JOHN was the first politician I ever endorsed without the influence of Family or Friends.

-- Andrew D., Illinois

Godspeed Senator McCain.

-- Stanley, Maryland

People like John McCain are what truly make America great!

-- Kippi, Tennessee

Amazing hero and patriot. He will forever be an inspiration to many of us about service to our country. Blessed to have worked for his campaign and honored to know what kind of man and person he was. A generation of dedication will always be remembered. Eternal rest grant grant unto thee Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he Rest In Peace. Always forward and God speed sir.

-- Mario, California

So grateful for a strong man who was a POW for 5 1/2 years, returned and gave more service to his country through the political arena, and was strong enough to speak out against one of our leaders who had continued to tear our country apart without Senator McCain getting down in the dirt with the individual. As the step-son of Dowell McCain, another WWII veteran, who passed on some years ago, I am proud to have been encouraged by the life and legacy of Senator McCain!

-- Edward, Texas

My heart and prayers go out to McClain family we love you stay strong and remember what he stands for unity and love he will always be our hero

-- Shirley, South Carolina

Senator McCain had seats very near mine for the Arizona Coyote games at America West Arena. I saw him often at these games. He always had a kind word, a smile, a wave, a nod of recognition. The Country has lost a man that was its rudder in stormy seas. A man that exemplified character, sacrifice, and sense of duty to Country and family. God speed Senator McCain and may God bless your family in this trying time. We have lost you, just when we need you the most. That said, you have done your duty. Prayerfully, I hope that there are those of compassion and character that can carry on your good work. Rest in Peace, Sir.

-- Steven, Arizona

God bless this family. Remarkable gentleman. His family and world has lost a true leader.

-- Susan, Nevada

I had the pleasure of meeting Senator McCain back in 1983. We because close due to our experiences in the military. We communicated frequently, and he was instrumental in obtaining healthcare for my daughter who was born with multiple disabilities, and for my son who suffered a hemmoragic stroke at the age of 21. I always had an open, and honest relationship, obtaining multiple letters addressing my concerns, as well as personal telephone calls, when he couldn't assist due to it being a State matter, as opposed to a Federal issue He went the extra mile for me, and my family by contacting the Governor's office directly, obtaining the care my son so vitally needed. We did not agree on every issue, but we always saw the others perspective. He was a wonderful patriot, and a friend who I will sorely miss.

-- Ted, Arizona

John McCain was an American hero and showed us how we should treat everyone with respect.

-- John, New York

Every one Loved John

-- Floyd, Arizona

My name is Mina Castilho, I admire and loved Senator McCain. What a great loss for the whole world. Thank you Senator McCain for dedicating 60 years of your life to serve this wonderful and great Country. I am sending love and blessings to His family. May our God hold all of you in His loving arms. I will miss your sense of humor your service and fight to make this a better place. R.I.P Sir!!!

-- Mina, California

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.