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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.

Senator McCain fought for his constituency, his party and his country. He was a champion of both great ideas and compromise. The Distinguished Gentlemen from Arizona was kind enough to sign a book as a gift for one of the groomsmen at my wedding. I'll not soon forget him or his legacy. Rest in Peace Sir.

-- Aaron, Arizona

Thank you for your enduring service to our country. I voted for you in the 2008 Presidential election.

-- Marcie, Illinois

Senator McCain was a fearless, principled statesman. Honor was an integral part of his character and his service to our country an exemplary example of what a hero is. His arms were wide and strong enough to reach across the aisle of his political rivals to make our world a better place for all of us. I am a Democrat and I really liked this exceptional representative of the Republican Party. It is with much sorrow to say goodbye to him but I am grateful for his years of service and to his family. Thank you all so very much.

-- Eva, California

A Man who put America and it's people first and fought to acheive it. John was one of a kind There should be more like him in American Government RIP John You will surely be missed

-- Pat, West Virginia

In 2009, I was working as a physician in Phoenix and went to a meeting where John McCain was the guest speaker. After the speech, I was talking with some colleagues, turned around, and there was the Senator. I certainly did not expect that he would come out afterwards to talk with any of us. He shook my hand and thanked me for being a physician in the state. I stammered something about him always being an inspiration to me (I still have a copy of "Character is Destiny") that I am sure made little sense. Still - the fact that this important man would just come out and talk to local constituents like that always stuck with me. If the political winds had different timings, he would have been a superb President - but regardless he was a superb Senator and human being.

-- Marc, Colorado

Senator John McCain represented the values and character that strengthened the very foundation of our democracy. Judy and I , are joined by are entire family in sending our sympathy and love. I willl never forget campaigning with the Senatorhis unswerving path of love for America,enduring optimism,and unfailing,though occasionally biting humor. How blessed to have known him and have him put “my friend” befor my name.

-- Lew and Judy, Florida

Sympathy and admiration from a veteran and his spouse. Our country has lost an extraordinary and inimitable life. Rest in peace to a heroic soul.

-- Vito, Georgia

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

I wore a POW bracelet with his name on it for years in HS and college. Politically our views differed, however he always had my respect. His motives were for the country and the country is better for his service. He leaves a great legacy and though your hearts are broken, your pride in him will be with you always

-- JoAnne, Arizona

The life and political commitment of Senator McCain are and will remain for me an example for the rest of my life. I will not forget it in my prayers.

-- Clément, France

A TRUE hero, may he Rest In Peace.

-- Thomas, Virginia

I have never known Mr McCain personally. My experience of who he was came only from news reports over the years. What I want to say is he was a rare human being and a noble soul. We, as a People, had a unique privilege to witness and to learn from him how to conduct our human relations with kindness, forgiveness, and cooperation. He was a true hero. He will be missed.

-- Ewa, Wisconsin

I am a democrat. Senator McCain was one conservative that I listened to. His love and desire for a better country shined through his words and deeds. Thank you Senator you will always have my respect

-- Gene, Washington

Our hearts go to the McCain family and our country for his lost!

-- Maria, Florida

I met Senator McCain three times, once at a campaign rally in 2000 which is memorialized with a photo of him with me and my wife. We met more privately two other times where we discussed Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran. I knew I was in the presence of an American patriot. At a time when are challenged at home and abroad his ,eacership will be sorely missed.

-- David, New Mexico

I sorry for you lose

-- clara, North Carolina

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

Class act. He was the Maverick. Kennedy the Lion. They will once again be a formidable team.

-- Sabrina, Missouri

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

-- TRINH, Maryland

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family of Senator John McCain. May the comfort of God surround you at this time and in the days ahead. Amen.

-- Edward, Texas

I found the Senator inspiring, volunteered for the Reform Institute, and supported all his campaigns. We've lost our best, but I'll do mine to raise children who'll work towards McCain's vision of America.

-- Doug, California

I was a Democrat, but when John ran for President, I'd always said that if he ever ran , I would support him. Party didn't matter as much to me as the intent and decency of the candidate. John is the reason I became a bipartisan ..until trump...and I will be again when integrity is restored to the GOP... by emulating John's ethics. It can honestly be said that John was a "great man", that only comes along in decades. I wasn't prepared, though I knew it might come. Even now, John helps us differentiate the split screen contrast between revered and notoriety. He helped us through the troubled days of late while he was here, and will be the inspiration for us to regain our country's place in the world. I will remember you, John.

-- Jenneva, Arizona

As just an ordinary citizen I wish to thank his wife Cindy for all the support she gave to over the years to this patriotic man and husband . He will not be forgotten and neither will she . So Thank You Cindy and May God Be with as your new challenges come .

-- Connie, Arizona

A true American statesman; keeping his country first. My hero!

-- Sheila, Michigan

I'm from Indiana he was a great person he will be missed I remember when he ran for president and wondered why he had arm problems then I found out he was a war vet

-- Rev. Joshua, Indiana

I truly "enjoyed" my Hanoi Hilton time with John. To the maximum extent possible, he made prison "fun". He was a red-blooded American guy from the git-go and right up to the end. And politically, he was always about ten levels above the average politician in that he'd lived all his prison years in a system where they have only one political party, which owned the army, the factories, the raw materials, the TV stations, the newspapers, the publishing houses where every book for every child in every grade was published. No competition. John appreciated our system in which our two major parties keep each other honest, to say the least. John always struggled to protect our system, and he knew from first-hand experience that the biggest problem Americans have is that they have no clue as to how lucky they are. God Bless John Sydney McCain III.

-- Larry, California

On behalf of my family I would like to extend our deepest sympathies on the death of Senator John McCain. Without the courageous Americans like Senator John McCain our nation would not stand so bravely, gleam so brilliantly and live so freely. I wish to quote Light Horse Harry Lee’s, George Washington eulogy but today it could be written for the patriot, hero and a lifetime public servant, Senator John McCain, "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."

-- Erick, California

Senator Mccain was a true hero and statesman. He will be missed by American citizens. I"m so sorry for your loss.

-- diane, Florida

Had the honor of meeting John McCain on two occasions in NY. I remember him telling how proud he was about his son enlisting in the USMC. I am proud of you JOHN, please Rest In Peace. Thank you for the good example you have demonstrated for Vietnam Veterans like myself. God bless you and your family. Donald J. Steinert USMC, proud Vietnam Veteran PS. I started reading Restless Wave last week.

-- Donald, New York

My warmest condolences to the McCain family. John has been an inspiration to me and my family. Any man who spent over five years at the Hanoi Hilton and provided leadership in the Senate is a true American hero. John will never be forgotten. His memory will live on. John McCain is my hero. God bless John and family.

-- Michael, New York

John once said that his life was changed when he realized that he had been put on this earth for something more than his own amusement. I read these words and they transformed my attitude about my purpose on earth. I am most grateful to him for helping me see this.

-- John, Florida

Senator McCain and the Governor were speaking at the VA National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona for Memorial Day services. He spoke of ISIS. Was America first early on. Thank you for your service and sacrifice to this great nation.

-- Joseph, Arizona

When I think of the legacy of John McCain I think of a man who was so humble, that he cared more about what God thought about him, than what others believed. He did not follow the crowd, nor run with whatever the latest fad was to be. Honesty and the ability to see through all the rhetoric was the mainstay of this wonderful patriot. We could all learn a lot from him and I hope those in government take a moment to realize who and what they have lost. Our country has grown a bit poorer with his passing...

-- Dave, California

Thank you Sir, for your honor, courage and service. You will be missed. Rest in peace.

-- Renee, Arizona

A hero!!!!

-- Greg, Pennsylvania

Couple years ago I was at the Phoenix airport with my young son and son in law. I was sending off my son in law to another tour in Afghanistan as a highly decorated Special Forces soldier. Senator McCain came over to us and thanked my son in law for his service. They chatted privately for a few minutes and took pictures together. Amazing man. A real friend!

-- Lee, Arizona

Mr John Mc Cain is and will be my my hero along with President Regan for a long time I wanted to go to corn bill to meet him in person, but just like the Grand cayon I was hopping that he be there all ways, now he is gone and the only thing that I have is his legacy, thank you John and God bless you always, I really would like to come and shake-the hand of the my hero s wife God bless you Sandy

-- Sal, Arizona

Senator McCain transcends party ideology and selfish party discipline. His driving force is the unwavering faith that he has in the true values of American democracy. Straightforward speaking, ready to take coordinated action, showing respect towards his opponents, able to admit his mistakes, and selfless – these are the qualities that McCain possesses, and they make him a leader who has and will influence many generations of people not only in America, but all around the world. Sometimes it can seem that people of such magnitude only exist in history books, but Senator McCain is here and now. He has taught and inspired and he will keep teaching and inspiring. America can be proud to have a son like Senator McCain.

-- Ilze

Eternal rest grant unto John McCain o Lord and may Your perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May his family feel your comfort o Lord in these coming days

-- Daniel, Illinois

John McCain was a true American hero. I'm glad to have lived in his lifetime. Thank you John for your service to our country.

-- Patricia, New Jersey

Sen. McCain was a true American hero, and an incredible American. I am proud to be part of a culture that, with the exception of the moronic, mendacious, slimy ball of fecal matter presently slumming in the WH, was proud to have John McCain as a part of, and a representative of this government; he was a true Man of the People, a warrior, and a man of ideals, who stood up for what he believed in, whatever the odds. Rest in Peace, Sen. McCain.

-- Kurt, California

Senator McCain transcended political parties and represented the best of Arizona and America. He will be sorely missed.

-- Cheryl, Arizona

Senator McCain was a true American Hero and Patriot who deserves the respect and gratitude of EVERY American. Thank you Senator McCain for a job well done. Rest In Peace.

-- Leo J., New Jersey

I'm deeply saddened to hear of Senator McCain's passing. I knew he was gravely ill, but was still shocked to hear of his passing. I can't believe I actually started crying upon the news. I didn't always agree on the politics, but still held him in esteem for his service to this country. My condolences to all of his family and close friends.

-- Teresa, Arizona

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

-- Cathy, California

I admired him for his service in uniform to our Country, his service in the Congress and Senate, his strength as a Politician and his example as a family man. He was valiant to the end and I will always remember his legacy and pray that those who feel disdain towards him and call him a RINO finally look at the truth and honor the man, husband, father, Sailor, leader, lawmaker that he was. RIP John McCain.

-- Joan, Virginia

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

-- Gilbert, California

John Thank You for your service to this country as nothing can ever come close to the accomplishments you have made not only in uniform but out as well. You are a national treasure and will not be forgotten.

-- Robert, Arizona

My profound sympathy on the passing of Senator McCain. He was an officer and a gentleman as well as an example of a person we should all try to be. His respect for those with whom he disagreed is legendary as is his love and respect for his country. Senator McCain certainly fought the good fight. Thank you for your service, Sir!

-- Frank, California

You will be missed. Thank you for your leadership

-- Tom, Wisconsin

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.