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
We were Naval Academy classmates. He was my naval and American hero.
-- Thomas, Hawaii
A great American Citizen
-- Wulf, Germany
I humbly come before you God, asking that you bless and comfort his family and his extended family in the United States Senate as well as his beloved Navy. Welcome this patriot into the Gates of Heaven; and give him a hero's homecoming and may both Admiral McCain Sr. and McCain Jr. be present along with every military member who has passed before him rendering the much deserved hand salute. And with the final words O' Lord, say the honorable words, "Welcome home thy good and faithful servant, welcome home".
Senator McCain sir,
You have fought the good fight, and you have claimed your mountain in the United States Senate and in the State of Arizona.
Rest easy sir. We'll take the watch from here. #HandSalute
-- Nolan, Texas
Senator McCain, was a great American, great leader, great man , My deepest sympathy to the family, rest in peace.
-- Lorenzo, Arizona
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
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
Sen. John McCain was a good and decent man. I'll remember him that way and be thankful for his extraordinary service to our country.
-- Carol, Florida
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
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
You were a great man of God
May you RIP.
-- Harry, Virginia
While I have never met John in person, I have followed his career with great admiration for his honesty and patriotic stance along with his strong support for our military. When we heard of his diagnosis of Glioblastoma it hit home hard as our adult son Douglas Fadely, was diagnosed with the same brain tumor in July of 2016. Doug is still doing well after surgery in July, 2016 and further treatments but it is like a time bomb. Our hearts go out to John's family and we know the suffering is over for John and he is living now in a pain free kingdom. We have lost a great man and we loved him dearly from afar.
-- Jan, Florida
God bless you sir, John Mc Cain. I admire your leadership
-- Kees, Netherlands
HIS HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND DEVOTION TO HIS COUNTRY WILL ALWAYS BE AN INSPIRATION. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
-- SHARON, Arizona
Thank you for your sacrifice and service. You endured more than we could ever know. I appreciated your honesty and truth....even though I may not have always agreed. I supported and voted for you in 2008 because of you love of country and honesty. Rest in peace sir! Prayers for the entire McCain family as you grieve the loss of this great man. May God and Americans wrap you in hugs and prayers. May God Bless America!
-- Chris, Ohio
I had the pleasure of attending a rally at Sun City, SC when this fine man ran for president of our country.Please remember the good times and ignore those who do not know better.
-- Elsa, South Carolina
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
Although my Polítical Ideologies were diferent I always admired the History and nobility that Transpired from Sen. McCain. Someone who clearly had the love for his Country and Fellow Citizens needed by any Leader. His Force and his legacy are inspirational to any one in the World! I'll look up for his legacy for years to come. America lost his Last True Hero. May God guards His Soul in Peace.
-- Gonçalo, Portugal
I wanted to share an impressionable moment I experienced as a Legislative Assistant for the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) and meeting the late Senator. The year was 1990 and I was a 21 year old working for the legendary Judy Park who had worked w/ Senator McCain to defeat the Medicare Catastrophic Prevention Act. Judy invited me to a lunch honoring Senator McCain along with maybe a dozen people and she said to me, "Senator McCain was a true friend to federal retirees. This is an experience you will never forget." And she was right. He will be sorely sorely missed.
-- Lisa, Illinois
I’m at a loss for words tonight. Both in the midst of war and in the halls of Washington, Senator McCain's dedication to our country never faltered. In this era of talking heads and 24-hour news cycles, John McCain reminded us that we are not defined by our divisions or our disagreements but by our common bond as Americans. We can never replace him but we can honor him by continuing his mission.
Thank you, Senator.
hashtag#countryfirst
-- Maya, Washington, D.C.
I never got the honor to meet John, what I seen and watched him he was a True American.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
R.I.P John McCain
-- Michael, Michigan
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of John McCain.
-- Holly, Connecticut
Just wanted to share my interactions with Senator McCain.
When I was 16, I was a page in the US Senate (100th Congress, 2nd session). McCain was still very early in his first term. He was incredibly nice to all the pages. We loved him. He would keep candy in his desk on the senate floor, and have one of the Cloak Room staffers keep it filled with candy for us (and others). We affectionately called him the "Candy Man."
Seriously, I loved that guy. One of the nicest senators I interacted with.
-- Chris, Arizona
A real American. One of a kind. So long.
-- Dave, Florida
Our country and the whole world have lost an awesome compassionate man. He was wise most of the desicion he took while voting on any bill it was always what is good for the USA and not what was good for the country. Senators like him are very few.
God has gained a loving car in Angel.
Rest in peace maverick.
-- Elie, Arizona
A great american - thank you for your friendship to Germany - we will not forget.
R.I.P.
-- Thomas, Germany
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
Thank you sir for every thing you did for this great country you will be missed god bless .
-- mike, Washington
May all of the U.S. will be comforted by memories of this true statesman. Sen. McCain was a hero and will be missed dearly.
-- Deborah, Washington, D.C.
RIP! Thank you for your service to our country.
-- Kent, California
Sen McCain I miss your honesty and wisdom. You are our Hero and we will never forget your sacrifice and contributions to our great Country. Ramesh V Kapur
-- Ramesh, Massachusetts
I will remember John as a man that went threw enemy torture. A Veteran that stood up to help us Veterans while in the Senate.
-- Rory, Wisconsin
RIP, the whole world is proud of your legacy. As a Syrian i thank you for the support and help you have offered to the Syrian people. My God mercy your sole and may God bless you.
-- Feras, Syria
John McCain, thank you sir.
-- Al, Washington
The world needs more John McCain’s. The McCain family has been, and will continue to be in my prayers. I am so thankful for Senator McCain’s service and love for our country. He is an example of what all that is good in our country. I pray that more of our citizens follow his example. I’l say it again, the world needs more John McCain’s.
-- Shannon, Florida
Rest In Peace Senator McCain. You inspired every person to reach higher and to be the best version of themselves, as you were, in service to your country and to mankind. Thank you for your service.
-- Sonia Garcia, Virginia
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
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
In awe of his amazing service to this country! Well done. Prayers for comfort and lasting memories of laughter for all.
-- Sonya, Maryland
John McCain, had he been elected President of the United States, would have not only been a very great president, he would have been able to unite the country, in spite of a hostel main stream media. There was something truly unique in John’s ability to bring any group into dialogue which ultimately benefited the whole. I’m very sad we’ve lost a leader irreplaceable in the younger generations.
-- Beth (Dorithy Elizabeth), Hawaii
Rest in Peace John. There will never be another John McCain.. We will miss
you and will pray for you.
-- Paula, Arizona
Senator John McCain was a compassionate man and took a stand against torture. I am thankful for all he had done for the world.
-- John, South Dakota
Thank you John, we all aspire to be more like you!
-- Rafael, Florida
I appreciate John’s support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. His attendance at JDRF functions was invaluable in helping to create awareness of the need for continuing research. Thank you to the McCain family for allowing us to share our appreciation for all he did.
-- Sherry, Virginia
John McCain was a hero, a respected leader and wish he was elected President. He will be missed.
-- Arun, Florida
Sir, it was an honor and privilege to briefly work for you as a Senate intern in 2008, and campaign volunteer since 2008.
In the summer of 2009, my phone rang while I was studying for the AZ bar exam. I noticed it was from a McCain Senate office number, and upon answering heard, "Mike, John McCain. Thanks for volunteering on my campaign. I am going to need your help in 2010. Can I count on you?" "Roger sir." That Senator McCain found time to personally call a former intern and volunteer speaks volumes about him as a man and leader. Like countless others, knowing him changed my life for the better.
I pray for Cindy and his family, and thank them for sharing him with us.
Lord, thank You for giving John McCain to this world, and I believe You have already welcomed him to Your Kindgdom.
-- Mike, Arizona
Senator McCain joins a long legacy of Arizona statesmen that have all made a difference in Washington D.C.: Senators Henry Fountain Ashurst, Carl T. Hayden, Ernest W. McFarland, Barry Goldwater, Dennis W. DeConcini, Jon Kyl.
U.S House of Representatives: John Rhodes, Stewart Udall, Mo Udall, Bob Stump, Matt Salmon, John Shadegg.
However, Senator John McCain, in our troubled times, stands as a warrior, an inspiration, a patriot and a good friend,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Barry M. Goldwater Jr
Member of Congress, retired
-- Barry, Arizona
Senator McCain was an honorable man, a patriot who served our country guided by his conscience. History will remember him well.
My heart goes out to his family and I pray the Lord will embrace and comfort them.
-- Candace, Delaware
Our family has been saddened by this loss, John McCain was a light of hope in a dark time politically. We laughed at his self defacing jokes, his delightful honesty. Most of all, we felt protected from corruption. He was not afraid to speak his mind when others were cowards or motivated purely by the polls. In short, he had guts and conviction of his beliefs. The rest of the party seems to have lost their moral compass. As he goes with our Lord, I am sure he will be welcome. We'll miss you, love and encouragement from our family to his on this day.
-- Renee, Oregon
Thank you for your service. Until we form again. Frank
-- franklin, Tennessee