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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.

God Bless You ! Never see a man like him again !

-- Renee, New Jersey

Just never prouder in my life to cast a vote for President when I voted for Senator John Mcain.

-- Creighton, Massachusetts

I worked on his campaign as a grad student at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. I loved his laugh! Even if he was not pleased, when he laughed it made everything okay. My heart is with Senator McCain's family at this time of their loss. May he Rest in Peace.

-- Lara, Washington, D.C.

Despite being Russian, and totally an opponent to the Respectable Mr. McCain views, I have to pay a tribute, homage and respect to the real patriot of his country. That's the kind of people our countries stand on. Rest in peace, Mr. McCain.

-- Alexander, Russia

Honorably served and will be missed!!

-- Beverly, Arizona

Thank you Sir for your service. Prayers and love to your family. I feel proud to know now that he is on the Right side of our Father, watching over us. Sincerely, Bert Druckenbroad

-- Bert, Ohio

John McCain set the highest moral example for all of us, regardless of political affiliation, to uphold. I pray that his example will resonate throughout political circles and that civil discourse will return to the seats of power in our country. It was my highest honor to shake the hand of this great man during his presidential campaign in Kansas City. May we all live by the example of a life of service and civility that John McCain epitomized. Thank you, God, for the life of John McCain and for giving him the strength of spirit to endure and keep fighting for what he believed in and the America he cherished. Farewell, Senator. We are all blessed to have known you and have you among us!

-- JAMES, Missouri

I became a citizen on this Great Nation over ten years ago. I am leaving the American dream, but this dream will be not possible without true heroes like Senator McCain. Thank you Senator McCain for being a true hero and your service. Thank you for being a great example that I can learn many thing to became myself a better citizen of this great nation. I wish that I could meet you and tell you how much I admired you. God Bless your family and those that serve this country.

-- Carlo, Arizona

A man of principle, honesty and courage. I fear for our country without him in it.

-- Mary, New York

?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

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

During his internment as a POW I proudly wore my copper Bracelet & prayed for John McCain. I still have my cherished bracelet and a Thank You letter sent to me in response to a "Welcome Home" message I wrote to him when he returned to the USA. I admired this brave man as did so many others. Aloha to Senator John McCain's Family .

-- Shirlee, Hawaii

John was a man of honor and dignity. He always had time for you. I don’t wish I had told him, I did tell him.

-- USMCGEOFF, Michigan

You were a leader and an inspiration to this country and the people who live here. We need more men like you.

-- Edmund, Oregon

the senator John Mc Cain will be always on my mind God bless his family

-- christian, Florida

I know a true hero and patriot when I see one. Thank you, Senator McCain, for your valued service to the country we both love! Rest In Peace!

-- Roz, Georgia

FINE MAN. SEND PRAYERS AND LOVE...TO FAMILY....

-- joeann, Kentucky

I am unknown to John, but he is highly regarded by me and many people in Australia, a fine person who many could emulate if they wanted to be a fine person. You have been and continue to be an inspiring person to me and many others. RIP Sir.

-- Paul, Australia

Thank you, John McCain, for your years of service to our country. You will sincerely be missed. Deepest condolences to your family.

-- Sarah, Colorado

Senator McCain was very nice person he seemed to be down to earth not one of these people that didn't like to interact with other people I got to see him a couple of times at the arena coyote Arena never was lucky enough to meet him rest in peace Senator John McCain

-- Rhonda, Arizona

My sympathy for the loss of a good man.

-- Cindy, Michigan

My heart and prayers are with the McCain family. I am so "thankful" for his service to our country and his family. May God bless and comfort you all. What a great man and leader.

-- jan, Arizona

May God Bless The McCain family.

-- Antonio, Delaware

While I often disagreed with his political choices, I always deeply respected him as a man of honor. Rest in peace, John McCain, you were my Senator.

-- Bonnie, Arizona

Thank you Senator McCain for all you did for the American people and for man kind. You are already missed and will always be remembered for your love of country . Rest easy SIR

-- Harry, Florida

Thank you, Senator John McCain. I am so grateful for your service to our country. God bless your family in this time of tremendous loss.

-- Dolores, Pennsylvania

I voted for this great hero for President, and felt he would have been great and better than the man he ran against..........RIP Senator McCain

-- Barbara, Illinois

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

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

-- HUONG, Virginia

I campaigned for John McCain in two presidential elections, at his offices in Phoenix,making phone calls and addressing mail. also I worked at a Scottsdale campaign head quarters . I so wanted Him to become president. I will always honor his memory. As a Scottsdale resident of over 37 years ...Rest in Peace JOHN MCCAIN

-- Joyce, Arizona

The world has lost a great man. Thank you so much, Senator McCain. You have always been an inspiration. You would have been an amazing POTUS and a beacon for the entire free world. You have always been my hidden president. I salute you!

-- Andre, Germany

My deepest condolences. Thank you for being a great senator. I’m a democratic and I have the highest respect for you.

-- Maria, California

John McCain: An Honest, Loving, and Honorable Man. He was A Man of Strength, Integrity, Bravery and Faith. He had a wonderful sense of Humor and they say, "he had a bit of a temper"! Bless You John, You will be incredibly missed by Your Family and Friends. Your "Foes" won't know where to find a "Fair Honest Fight"!! A Life Fully and Well Lived...Rest now....C. Sue Collins

-- Connie, California

What I remember most is attending the Arizona Women's Conferences sponsored by Senator McCain. He brought in keynote speakers and wonderful workshops that provided women a place to network as well as gain knowledge. He was a great senator and Arizona was lucky to have him. He brought integrity, humor, dedication, and the willingness to work across the aisle to Washington. Thank you to the McCain family for sharing him with us all. May God bless him and you.

-- Mary, Florida

John McCain was my hero and role model. I want to be like John McCain

-- Hector, Texas

Our condolences to the McCain Family in their time of grief. May God hold you in his arms and wipe away your tears and hold you and be with you at this time.

-- Violet, Indiana

To the McCain family, my family and I wish to offer our sincere condolences on your loss. To me, Senator McCain personifies the meaning of what it is to be a real American patriot. He truly followed the path of Robert Jordan by sacrificing for his country. I admire him for admitting that he after all was human and capable of making mistakes. But he said that's ok as long as you own it. As a Vietnam veteran I would just like to say REST IN PEACE may God be with you

-- Ruben, California

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of John McCain.

-- Holly, Connecticut

I was waiting for a flight at DCA when I looked over and saw Senator McCain. My mom knew him fairly well so she walked me over to meet him. He immediately stood up and took the time to get to know me well. I will never forget his kind words to me as a Page in the Senate. His character and strong demeanor will never be forgotten. It was a pleasure to be in his presence. RIP

-- Max, Virginia

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

-- Czech, Czechia

This great man lead our Nation and will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time. Goodbye Patriot.

-- Dan, Oregon

A true American! Our country is a lesser place without him! Rest In Peaceand God speed.

-- David, Arizona

I saw John McCain, during the time he was a POW, he protected other POW from being tortured. He told me that a Vietnam, soldier came to his cell and ask him if it is true that US Carriers have a swimming pool? To prevent any harm or torture to the prisoner that said this, he answered; " Yes; some have 2 pools".

-- Alfredo, Florida

R E S P E C T- one word that embodies John McCain and all he stands for.

-- Cornelia, Georgia

I've never donated to any politician in my 65 years, but having had a strong respect for John McCain, I donated to his Senatorial campaign in Arizona, even though I live in Pennsylvania! Susan Smith, LooptyHoops and Vistage

-- Susan, Pennsylvania

Our two kids, Mary Leigh and Joshua had their first public service experiences working hard in NH and CT on the 2008 campaigns. The Senator was kind enough to remember "the kid in the yellow jacket" years later. Tracy, the now-adult "kids" and I all appreciate the opportunity and honor to support this great American. I we only hope that he was not the last of his breed.

-- Michael, Connecticut

Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear husband, father, warrior and true patriot. We are fortunate to follow in his footsteps, with the passion, grace and integrity that he evinced every day. Take what comfort you can knowing we will honour his memory by striving for the highest standards of conduct and service to that which is larger than ourselves.

-- Michaela, Canada

I loved him too. Met John at the Memorial Day celebration at the veterans cemetery two years ago and gave him a kiss and a hug. I wispered in his ear that I loved him and thanked him for all he did for the people of Arizona. He stood back a bit and looked me in the eye and said, you made my day and you’re very welcome. He made me feel like the most important person in the whole world at moment. I’ll ever forget that sweet person.

-- JoAnn, Arizona

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

-- Steven, Arizona

He loved the same beautiful Arizona that I once loved. He gave generously to CHOC hospital where I once worked. Good memories last.

-- kathy p., Alabama

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.