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:

Arizona State Capitol

August 29, 2018

Open to the Public
Livestream Online

Arizona Public Procession

August 30, 2018

Arizona State Capitol to
North Phoenix Baptist Church

North Phoenix Baptist Church

August 30, 2018

Limited Public Seating Available
Livestream Online

United States Capitol

August 31, 2018

Open to the Public
Livestream Online

Washington, D.C. Public Procession

September 1, 2018

United States Capitol to
Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Washington National Cathedral

September 1, 2018

Invitation Only
Livestream Online

Click for Media and Press 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.

Country First:

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.

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.

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.

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 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

Senator John McCain admirably employed his abilities improving the state of Arizona and his country USA.

-- Mildred, New York

Sorry for your loss

-- Joan, New York

Senator John McCain and his respect for the process always stood out to me. Although, I supported Barack Obama in 2008, He has always shown an excellent display of good characteristics and always stood for what he believed in regardless of being politically correct. His dedication to public service and to country is what I will always remember about him. The people of Arizona were lucky to have him as a Senator, I will miss him, I intend on reading his book and watching his past interviews. Senator McCain, I again, thank you for your service.

-- Nicholas, New Jersey

THE SENATORWAS SPEAKING IN AKRON, OHIO AT THE HILTON HOTEL.WE PASSED EACHOTHER IN THE HALL. I THANKED HIM FOR HIS SUPPORT OF ISRAEL,AND HE SAID"DON'T WORRY".WE SHOOK HANDS.

-- HARVEY, Ohio

I never knew John personally but he would be the one to have on your side. I wished that John would have been president back in 2008. He will be missed. My sympathies to the McCain family during this hard time. I lost my father to this evil disease cancer back in 2012 and it is still hard to think it has been that long but the memories keep him alive. To the McCain family you will have a lifelong of memories of John close to your heart.

-- TODD, Minnesota

Our country lost its great son. RIP John. World won't be the same with out you. You deserved to be and you will be remembered by millions of people around the world. America had been blessed by decades of your service.

-- Stan, New York

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

As I sit and listen to the life of Senator John McCain, I knew about his time as captured solider, his friendship with Senator Edward Kennedy. So much can be said about his work as Senator to our nation.I respected him because he put country before party. He ran for President twice and both the men that he ran against both President's Bush and Obama will speak at his funeral service. So to honor his life we all should try to bring back kindness in our lives. To speak the truth, own to our errors and poor judgement. Stop with calling the truth lies, to stop name calling,to respect the press. Not saying this is fake etc. Will everything be perfect in our country no. But take this time to reflect on TRUE patriots of America. That was Senator John McCain. My prayers to his family and Friends

-- tracey, Pennsylvania

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

Let's put aside politics remember John McCain for putting his life on the line for our country family that has to live without him he's asleep no more pain beautiful memories bless his family

-- Sharon, Nevada

I was fortunate to meet and to learn from John McCain; but here, I will share a story about a book autograph. I took my young daughter and a copy of Faith of My Fathers to a Tucson event. In the backyard of the private residence, I noticed that at least 50 people had also brought the book. I returned to the front to ambush him. He arrived, promptly signed his book, and was sincerely impressed upon hearing it would be a gift for my father. As media began to record the event, I noticed that my daughter had found a porch swing and was testing the height limits on it. She ignored me and continued to play. So somewhere, there is a video and photographic record of me watching Senator McCain sign his book, and of my daughter ignoring both of us on a swing in the background.

-- Gerald, Arizona

My memory of John McCain will always be the class and dignity with which he conducted himself during and after the 2008 Presidential Campaign. There is no greater example of his extraordinary character.

-- Michael, Massachusetts

82nd Airborne ‘73-‘76. Was Army. Our son is USNA. Absolutely HATE politics as anyone in uniform of that era will tell you. Bet he did too, but still someone has to have the guts to do it. . What a loss to this nation. Most sad half mast I have seen. Salute and Prayers to your family from WWI army, WWII navy, Korea Army, VietNam Army, today USNA. Thank you.

-- Micheal, Tennessee

John McCain for me was a man who I greatly respected. He fought for what he believed was right regardless of "how the party" felt about the issue. Integrity ran through and through John. His response to the lady at a political event "defending Obama" truly showed a man of grear integrity. I am proud to say that I had an opportunity to vote many times for John McCain. He will be missed by our country and the world. I thank the McCain family for sharing him with us.

-- Rev. Louie, Arizona

It's with the deepest heart felt sympathy I send this note. I am so sorry to hearing this. I know you must be with the knowledge that our Good Lord is watching over our Senator now. We pray for you the family at this time. God Bless you all.

-- Victor, Arizona

To a dedicated military and statesman I say a job well done and need more like you to follow. You could never be replaced with your prisoner of war and political records you have done this wonderful country a great deed. Gods blessings.

-- John, Texas

A truly world citizen - a hero to the world - rest in peace "sir"with love-respect - peace be with you and your family

-- JOHN, Canada

I just plain miss him....I had much interaction with him over the years and I just plain miss him ...there was never anyone like him and never will be...

-- Greta, Washington, D.C.

My Deepest Sympathy to the family..He was truly a protector of our Freedom..He is now a Heavenly Angel ..

-- RoseAnn, Pennsylvania

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

My deepest sympathy to the family of John McCain on their great loss.

-- Barry, New Mexico

Citizen – hero – patriot

-- Citizen – hero – patriot, New Jersey

Rest easy my brother.

-- Robert and Juanita, New York

He is a true American hero and statesman. I met with him a couple of times to encourage his support for certain legislation. He was polite and respectful even though he saw things differently. I was impressed by his attentiveness and his thoughtful explanation about why he would not support it.. He made a difference to our country. Politicians can learn much by paying attention to his passion for placing the country first. Rest In Peace, you great man.

-- Albert, Arizona

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 can't imagine our country without this amazing man. He will be sorely missed.

-- Laurie, New Jersey

My heartfelt sympathies to the family of John McCain. A courageous man, a true American, generous, brave, brilliant. Senator McCain...a noble man . I have tear in my eyes as I write this. Whatever your political leanings, this man deserves the greatest respect. He served with loyalty, with honor a and with incredible bravery

-- Diane, Florida

You set the example for us to follow. Well done my friend! Now take your place in the Kingdom of God.

-- Texanna, Florida

Senator John McCain was a human being that honored his work to do good for others. When I met him, Senator McCain was modest and sincere man. One of the few true heroes of our country. Best regards to Cindy and the McCain family, Hon. C. WS Kim

-- Charles WS, Illinois

To the family of senator John McCain. The first thing I want to say is that I am a Democrat and as a Democrat I want to wish the McCain family my deepest condolences. John McCain was a great man and will be missed. This country will never be the same without him . John in my eyes and in my heart you are a hero to everyone of us . We all love you and will miss you . John there is a reason why god took you from us . He has other plans for you and am sure you will be better then you were here on earth . My god bless you and your family . Never

-- Mike, California

I was lucky enough to meet him briefly on a political science field-trip to Washington D.C. He was friendly and not what I would have pictured as a political figure which seemed at odd with the busy political culture and life in the capitol. It was great to see someone so down-to-earth and not too busy to say hello and greet some college students from Bellevue, Washington.

-- Barbara, Washington

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

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

-- Gilbert, California

Thank You !

-- Alvin, Pennsylvania

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

Take your rest...you brave soldier having fought the good fight of faith until your name was echoed from heaven's realm for your task has been completed. Your example of courage will not be gotten. You will be missed.

-- Phillip, South Carolina

John McCain was the Executive Officer of VA174 when I was in A-7E RAG training at Cecil Field in the mid 1970s. He personally taught me low-level tactics, and weapons training at MCAS Yuma AZ. What a GREAT instructor, and motivator! And John had one of the most infectious senses of humor of anyone I have ever known. What an inspiration of a man!!

-- Richard, Idaho

we miss you and we prays you alway..............

-- HUONG, Virginia

We need more people like him in government. We need people to work togeather across party lines It is more important to do what is right for the country then what one party or the other wants to do and John knew this. He will be missed and the country will need to find more like him.

-- John, Pennsylvania

John McCain, a name to remember, a man served his country with honor! -- David, a Chinese Canadian Citizen

-- David, Florida

A true hero and consummate statesman!!!

-- Susanna, Florida

Thank You John for setting the example for our future generations to follow, that Country over Politics is Honorable. That owning your shortfalls and striving to do better is not a weakness, but a strength. Most importantly is the fact that you demonstrated what is meant by Duty, Honor, and Country. Thank You Sir...

-- Gerald, Michigan

To the family: I am sorry for your loss. I watched Senator McCain on television as he fought for and stood for his beliefs. God be with the family in their time of bereavement.

-- Jacqueline, Virginia

God Bless. Sleep tight.

-- Tim, United Kingdom

I met Senator McCain during his 2008 Presidential run, One of the highlights of my life. Unfortunately he lost, but I was struck by his display of character when defending President Obama as a good family man when a constituent expressed that she did not trust him. That’s what I will remember most about him. His character…

-- Robert, New Jersey

We fly our flag at half staff on our porch in his Honor. As a man of honor, a War Hero and a patriot, he treated people with dignity which is sorely missing these days. Senator McCain will Always be remembered. What a Contrast from Mr. Trump who will NEVER be Remembered. We love you and will miss you forever. Senator McCain was a HERO. Bless the McCain family.

-- sheldon, New York

I remember Mr. McCain commitment to a very strong military and thereby always keeping us all safe. Mr. McCain was a leader in realizing a comprehensive immigration law he co-sponsored with Ted Kennedy. It was very sad day when this comprehensive immigration plan was defeated by Congress. I also remember very well Mr. McCain class in ignoring insults from Donald Trump and how he campaigned against Barack Obama by speaking very positively about Mr. Obama as a person, only disagreements were policies, not personal. In today's Congress, we sure need new Mr. McCains !!!

-- Thor, New York

The last American hero. Honest, Brave, and Caring. He returned with Honor, and left with Honor.

-- Gregory, Michigan

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

-- Cheryl, Arizona

Share Your Own Memory of John McCain:

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

John Sidney McCain III 1936 - 2018