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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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Read More Statements

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 John McCain I want to thank you for your heroic service to our Great country. My political viewpoints may differ than yours but I admire you and truly believe that if there was anyone who can make a difference it was you sir. I hope your examples in life willl continue to inspire people with political differences to have respect and integrity for each other. God bless you

-- Patrick, Florida

I have just would love to think and remember John McCain for the great and wonderful things of his earth life. For one for his Navy service and serving this great republic. His pain and suffering for this country will be remembered. He also served this county in the Senate even though he could have retired long ago he continued to serve the USA through pain, illness, hardships, and old age. I will keep John McCain and his family in my thoughts and prayers. God bless the former senator and his family!

-- Daniel, Missouri

I thank you for your service. You are loved and cherished by the country you loved and served so bravely. I will miss you.

-- Emmy, Florida

A well-earned rest for you, John. Truly well-earned in the eyes of God and of men.

-- Marc of Contemplative Pathways, Philippines

Thank you very much for the support of Ukraine.

-- Oleksandr, Ukraine

I will never forget when God put it on my heart to support Senator McCain's campaign. The more I learned about Senator McCain, the more I respected him and appreciated all that he had done for this country. Even the man he was personally impressed me. I gathered signatures in VA to insure his name appeared on the primary ballot. I was privileged to see him in the rotunda of the US Capitol building after fighting all night on the Senate floor. After that, he slept all day on the couch in his office. There were so many things he did publicly that made a difference in this nation, but there was so much more that most people don't even know. Senator McCain was a blessing to the US, and I pray that God comforts his family with memories of all of his wonderful contributions and his model life.

-- Markita, Virginia

Thank for the blanket of FREEDOM you so unselfishly provided to everyone in the Initef States ofErica with your service and dedication to every AmericaGod ZBless you and your family

-- Judith, California

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

Thank you sir, for your service to our country. We honor and appreciate your sacrifices. Condolences to your Family and Friends.

-- Jean & David, California

Have never had the pleasure of meeting him am 80 years old and he is my choice to have dinner with so much respect for him. Would love to thank him for his service to mankind and country

-- Gayle, South Carolina

I have always followed late Sen. John McCain on his performance on the floor of the senate. Will personally miss him. R.I.P

-- Ikerave, Nigeria

When my late husband Carlos Apodaca passed Mr McCain was the only one who would listen to me and helped me get his benefits. After 4 years of fighting and getting nowhere he did it in six months. I will forever be grateful to him. You could see he was a kind and loving man who loved his Country and the people. May God rest his soul in peace and keep his family strong. I am sure he left a great legacy behind. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

-- Mary L, Arizona

Thank you for your service, commitment to the USA and being an all around decent human being. Although, I didn't always agree with your politics, I respected your opinions and more important you. RIP

-- Johnny, California

His 2008 concession speech showed the Great man he was. Rest well John. Clyde McDonald

-- Clyde, Washington, D.C.

Forever my hero!

-- Bengi Poston, Texas

It is my prayer we find someone with your honesty and competence to lead and govern us. God bless you!

-- Steven, Arizona

I remember Senator McCain as a great patriot and a great American which to me is the greatest honor I can bestow on him.

-- Ivan, Washington

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 had an unexpected moment at Reagan Airport when Senator McCain stood about 15 feet away from me. We were both on the curb waiting for our respective rides. I was trying not to stare but also hoping to confirm to myself whether he was truly the Senator or not. I had determined he was the real deal, so while loading my suitcase, I felt compelled to shout, "Thank you Senator! We are so grateful for your service!" He turned towards me with a smile and a wave. As we left, I felt a bit emotional at having been able to express sincere appreciation in a fleeting moment of opportunity. I am so glad he heard me. If more of us could have the heart, mind, courage and determination of John McCain, much would be improved in our society. Our love, gratitude and sympathy to all of you.

-- Christine, Utah

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 loved John and will miss him I love Cindy A great team of 2 extraordinary people

-- Barbara, New York

Being a first generation immigrant and die hard democrat party supporter, I have always felt heartened by the honesty and patriotism of Sen.Mccain. He was a example to me of the greatness left in public service and my faith in my new country always was firm thanks to him. My prayers for this wonderful man.

-- Kumar, New Jersey

I was honored to shake Senator McCain's hand when I worked at Raytheon. He smiled a big smile at me, and held out his hand. I will never forget that moment.

-- Helen, Arizona

I'll never forget Sen. McCain's graciousness when he invited me and a videographer into his home after I called to do a TV news story in 1994. I was new in Phoenix television and he made me feel so welcome. We met his wife and children and watched some boxing on tv with him too. Everytime I saw him in the public eye for so many years later, I remembered that day. He was a great American and a great person.

-- Dennis, Indiana

What a great man you have been! I will miss you.

-- Stephan, Germany

My father graduated in 1938 from USNA and served in WWII and was always proud to serve his country. I identify with the loyalty with which John McCain served God and his country. May you be comforted in knowing he is reaping his reward in heaven.

-- Barbara Dimmick, North Carolina

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

EL MUNDO HA PERDIDO A UN HEROE, UN EJEMPLO PARA TODOS. UN LUCHADOR. DESDE ESPAÑA MI MAS SENTIDO PESAME A LA FAMILIA, AMIGOS Y AL PUEBLO AMERICANO. DESCANSE EN PAZ

-- JUAN JOSE, Spain

I voted for John Mc Cain for President. His words " A steady hand at the tiller " propelled me forward. Yes Sir.

-- Oscar, Texas

Well, I've followed his career ever since he stepped off the plane from Vietnam and stepped back on U.S. soil. I've always thought of Johm McCain as an American hero. I was so thankful for Meghan's expression of love for her "beloved father". What father would not want such a statement from his daughter or son after he's gone. That means a "job well done" in this life.

-- William, Texas

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

Thank you for your great service to our Country! Rest In Peace and God Bless You!

-- Michael, Pennsylvania

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

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

Thank you for your service. You are a true American hero

-- Nancy, Virginia

I didn't know him. Sent some emails. I supported his presidential run. Truly sad to hear this recent news.

-- Fatbardh, New Jersey

But we are sad. We need him more than ever.

-- Nora, Massachusetts

Godspeed Senator McCain.

-- Stanley, Maryland

At the outset, let me express my deepest condolences to the family of Mr.John McCain.

-- Rajaa, Morocco

My daughter and I were lucky enough to meet Senator McCain on Mackinac Island many years ago. He was one of the few men who still had integrity. Sending deepest sympathy to his wife, children, family and friends. He will be missed deeply.

-- Chris, Michigan

Thank you for your service John.

-- j, Minnesota

This is the only government official whom has ever earned my respect... we truly lost so much with his experiences. He was , is my hero.

-- Thomas, Colorado

Please keep watch from above, and help us when you can. It is with deepest sympathy, and regret, that we have to say goodbye. We will miss you John! May God bless and keep you whole and safe at his side. Until we meet again . . . .

-- Dorothy Cora, Arizona

John McCain was a Wonderful Statesman for our country. My husband Barry Starr always had the greatest respect for him. His heart was always in the right place, he was professional, courageous and we are lucky to have had him representing us through the many years. I wish Peace and Wonderful Memories for his family, loved ones and friends.

-- Gayle, Arizona

During 2000 primary, Sen. McCain gave a speech in Springfield NJ. I was police detective on security detail. He took time after speech to hang out with the cops and autographed his Faith of Our Fathers book for us. Real nice down to earth guy. A real American. Rest in Peace.

-- Judd, New Jersey

Served as his Director of Black Engagement 2008 Presidential Campaign, he loved my Caribbean chicken soup, saw him at CHC club 2017, I said sir it was my honor, he said no it was mine. Thank you for the opportunity, HBCU support, and the many quite things that you did.

-- CJ, Virginia

It was my pleasure to meet John personally, talk and have dinner with him and a few friends in Tucson around 2011. I had the honor to offer a toast for his service and sacrifice to our Country. An honor I'll never forget. Our Country is a better place for his presence and contributions. My sympathy and prayers to his family.

-- Michael, Arizona

A true hero and consummate statesman!!!

-- Susanna, Florida

Senator McCain stood by us when we were in a position to lose our house, and intervened with Bank of America on our behalf. His help was invaluable to us and I will never forget his kindness, nor his and his office staff's efforts. RIP

-- Jessica, Arizona

On my 3rd day interning on Capitol Hill in May 2001, I got on the trolley that goes from the Capitol to the Senate office buildings. Senator John McCain came around the corner, and sat down next to me. The first thing I asked him was, “Am I sitting in the Members-Only car?” He said “No, you’re fine.” For the next 4 minutes a Republican and a Democrat chatted about Bucks County, PA, Congressman Jim Greenwood, Penn State football, and campaign finance reform (I got a direct quote from the author of the McCain-Feingold bill for my summer semester paper). I’ll never forget the deep scars down the sides of his face, and thinking about all he had been through. He directed me to the bar I was going to for Happy Hour.

-- Amanda, Washington, D.C.

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.