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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.

A Great Great Man. He will be miss by all

-- Ron, Washington

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

He was a great hero, unlike many before him. As a Korean Was veteran, I can share his pain. He will be missed.

-- Gerald, California

Quite a few years back, John McCain came to Lake Havasu & there was always a party at Marie Meahl's home. Fond memories of him & even had my picture taken with Senator McCain which I still have. God Bless his family with such a loss.

-- Patricia, Arizona

May He Rest In Peace!

-- Bobby, South Carolina

Senator McCain will be greatly missed. His service to our country was much appreciated. He led with an open, fair mind. He’s a true example for all of us in so many ways. May God bless and comfort your family.

-- Lisa, Oklahoma

Thank You Sir! A patriot and a hero - America will never see a political leader like him again.

-- John, Portugal

Thank you.

-- Victor, Arizona

When you build bridges, you get attacked by both sides. Sen. McCain, I hope you left us enough courage to build more.

-- Robert, New York

Home is the sailor, home from the sea. Home is the hunter, home from the hill

-- Gert, Netherlands

About three years ago we were at the Tee Pee Restaurant in Phoenix, and we’re thrilled to see Senator McCain in the flesh! Our deepest condolences to the McCain family. It is a great loss.

-- Andrew, Arizona

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

I did not have the privilege of meeting Sen. McCain, but I have known his story for a long time. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Our country has lost a true patriot and hero.

-- Susan, Texas

Dear Family of Senator McCain: We are grateful for Senator McCain's life and for the support all of you gave him that enabled him to be the great Senate and international leader that he was. We share in your loss.

-- Shirley & Jim, Arizona

I have ALWAYS had a deep love and admiration for John McCain. My deepest sympathy and prayers for him and his family.

-- Frank, New York

I never met Senator McCain. I am Canadian. My condolences to the McCain family. May your memories of him be a blessing for you. I salute his tremendous courage and decency. May his soul rest in peace.

-- Robert, Canada

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

-- Steven, Arizona

John McCain Was a great man. His family can rest also because he is resting in piece. now. Again John was a great man. Thanks for every thing.

-- Raymond, Rhode Island

he put his fellow soldiers before himself. He put the country before himself. That's what a hero is. John McCain is a true hero.

-- Fred, Florida

America is a better place because of Senator John McCain.

-- Our Family, Washington

?I worked John McCain’s campaign in New Hampshire and was privileged to meet him several times... the last time we spoke was at Harris Teeter in Arlington VA. He shopped in the store across from our apartment. I reintroduced myself and we chatted about the F-35 Program and when were done he shook my hand and thanked me for my service... after all he did and was doing... what a guy!!!?

-- Kent, California

You will always be remembered as a person for the people. Thank you

-- DOROTHY, Pennsylvania

He would have been the Best President ever!! Also a President for everyone, not just his party. Hopefully his life will influence the rest of the USA. He was truly a great & honest person!!

-- Shirley, California

I have long been an admirer of Senator McCain and very much wanted to see him become our president. I'm deeply grateful for his service to our country as a soldier, a statesman and a role model. To the McCain family, I extend my heartfelt sympathy on your great loss...and ours.

-- Anne, Wisconsin

God Bless him.

-- Andrew, California

In awe of his amazing service to this country! Well done. Prayers for comfort and lasting memories of laughter for all.

-- Sonya, Maryland

To the McCain family we are sorry for your lost .The Leon Session Family Much Love ????

-- Leon&Verta, Texas

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of my friend (many years ago) John....he was the greatest......I will give a donation to the Humane Society in memory of our great Senator.....Peg Matteson. Solterra, Lakeside

-- Mrs Margaret F. Peg, Arizona

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

To those who loved Senator/war hero, John McCain, and were loved by him: Henley's poem 'Invictus' , intoned so beautifully by Bruno Huhn, is now playing in my heart and mind as I remember John McCain. He lived and died on his own terms. And he left this world better than he found it. What more can one adk of a man?

-- Richard, 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 world has lost a great statesman who was respected by people all over the globe. I never met him personally but nevertheless felt inspired by his strong and clear vision about the role of the United States in the global political system.

-- Mike, Germany

I do not have a personal memory of this great man but his heroism, service and love for country compelled me to volunteer for his Presidential campaign. I can’t help but wonder if we would have been in a better place as a country had he been elected as President. May his example live on.

-- Deborah, Florida

I remember seeing Senator McCain during the 2008 campaign defend President Obama from the accusation that he was an Arab. He said the President was an American citizen. I also remember seeing the dramatic vote on the Senate floor when John cast the deciding vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act. I saw him many times on television and he was straightforward and direct in many of his answers to questions whether they were good or bad ones. He will be deeply missed in the US Senate at a time when it could use the voice of a man with the courage of his convictions.

-- Christopher, Maryland

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

America has lost a Son and Hero. Rest in Peace Senator your work here on earth is done. I have watched you over the years. Your dignity and service to our country will always be remembered. Prayers to you and your family.

-- Doris, New Hampshire

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

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

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

-- Mildred, New York

A true American. Your character will be missed. Thank you for your service to our Nation.

-- John, Hawaii

thank you, Sir. and thank you, Cindy and family, for so generously sharing your husband/father/grandfather with us. it's been a trying journey, and your strength and faith inspire us, too. much love, and the peace of the Lord be with you at this time, and always.

-- Marie-Elizabeth, Arizona

He fought the good fight. Godspeed

-- Michael, New York

Thank you sir for every thing you did for this great country you will be missed god bless .

-- mike, Washington

Mr senator John McCain one of my heroes deeply condolences

-- Oscar A, Florida

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

-- Renee, Arizona

You will be missed my friend. My memories in our work to make America what it is today.

-- Randall Spreitzer, Arizona

#IncredibleStrength - at a Public Town Hall John stood there and listened to every word without interrupting as a "disgruntled" Veteran read "a prepared speech", many pages long, time consuming, his raised voice and anger self-evident, criticizing John's Senate Record - then calmly, after asking the Veteran if he was finished, John added "if you can do better, run for the Senate".

-- Lance, Arizona

As a Navy Vietnam Verteran you were and will always be my personal hero. I share the sadness with your family. We have lost one of great ones. God Bless

-- Robert, New York

Sir, It has been a pleasure to endure your tenacity as you elevated your voice on the Senate floor. As a Veteran I know for certain that you were a leader! Leaders lead, others follow!! I salute you...AIRBORNE! RIP

-- Elgin, Maryland

Sen. John McCain taught us what honor, true patriotism and basic human decency look like. He will be missed.

-- Max, Pennsylvania

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.