Click here for live video of the National Memorial Service at Washington National Cathedral.

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.

Read More Here

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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE



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.

Great Leader,our country will surely miss his leadership.Condolenses to his family.

-- Johnsie, North Carolina

A great patriot that put his country before politics. He would have made a great President.

-- Gail, Florida

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 SAW HIM IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA WHEN HE WAS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN 2008. AND I WILL MISS HIM ALOT.

-- TOBY, Alabama

He gave me a glimpse of what a George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's Courage, Honor and devotion to the truth was like. They would have been proud to have known him as a friend.

-- Garrick, New York

We have lost a great American. He loved his country and worked for it to be better every day. I had the honor of being with him during his Presidential campaign in Tampa, Florida . Rest in peace. God bless him and his family.

-- Jose, Florida

John, you are a man of integrity and a man with true character. You will be missed and forever remembered. Thank you for your service to this great nation. You are a war hero and a real statesman.

-- Steve, Virginia

I like John McCain, I wish I had meet him and his family.

-- David, Texas

I campaigned for Senator McCain when he ran for President. I hold him in the highest esteem and pray for his family.

-- Bettie, Texas

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

Man and public servant of great convictions beyond party lines, where only his conscience and the welfare of the American people had space. He fulfilled his mission as he did so many other times, now that The Great Architect of the Universe welcomes him into his kingdom.

-- Francisco, Florida

Peace with Lord.

-- Howard, California

A guiding light for the United States has been extinguished. What John McCain meant to this country will never be able to be captured in words. I never met the man, but I have wept at his passing. I will always consider it an honor to have cast a vote for him in the presidential election. I will miss his voice of reason, his bipartisanship, his good humor, and his immense love of service to his country. When John McCain did something, you did not have to question his motives, you knew he was doing what he truly thought was right. If we can all live our lives and serve our country and communities even a small fraction of that of which Senator McCain has we will be immensely better off. God Speed Good Senator.

-- Mickey, Georgia

I really want to extend my most heartfelt sympathy to Sen. McCain's family. While I didn't always agree with his politics, I ALWAYS admired his integrity, honor, and humility. It makes his loss doubly sorrowful in the political climate of today. While I didn't know him personally, I feel confident that he was a truly good man all the way down to his soul. I believe we can all learn something from his life, and we should strive to be as true a person as he was. And again, my deepest sympathy to all of his family. He will be missed.

-- Sheri, California

Knowing his character we voted for him in the primary against GW Bush and for him and Sarah Palin in 2008. What a man! Blessings on the Mc Cain family.

-- Donald and Marilyn, Ohio

megan McCain sorry about your dad he was the best man and president god will take care of him and rest in heaven thanks lord 2018 by joel mansfield

-- joel, Texas

Well done good and faithful servant....

-- Susan, Texas

John McCain was a mentor to all of us. I extend my deepest sympathy to his Family.

-- Deena, Massachusetts

Senator McCain has been a true Patriot with great love of country. He was a true Statesman and man of honor and integrity. He will be missed by those who knew him and citizens just like me! God is welcoming this special soul!

-- Jane, Florida

Senator John McCain was truly an American Hero and an inspiration for all regardless of party or political orientation, as he understood the requirements of our form of government and put them into practical use, recognizing that the nation was more important than any party. His passing is a great loss to his family and the nation.

-- Robert, California

It was my privilege to serve as Senator McCains Finance Chairman in S.C. for his Presidential Campaign. I did so because of his love for our Country and his determination to lead every American in contributing to our mission to defend and protect this great nation. He showed us how to act and we will always love him for his depth of character and ability.

-- Robert, South Carolina

I didn’t know John McCain but admired him as a true Statesman! I am sorry to say there don’t seem to be many true Statesmen left Who have the courage to put country above party and ego. I hope his legacy and the outpouring of condolences will inspire our current leaders to take the highroad And follow his example.

-- Linda, Florida

He was not only a true warrior, but also a friend, He will always be remembered for his leadership.

-- Anthony, Arizona

I first met John McCain during the 1982-83 school year at Northern Arizona University. I remember it was a small event and John got up and addressed the group; and he shared his vision as he embarked on his first elected office representing Arizona. I left that event and remember telling a good friend how impressed I was by JOHN MCCAIN! All these years later I still feel the same. John McCain was a true patriot and he will be missed by All Americans! RIP dear friend! Thank you for your Leadership!! As a young student, JOHN was the first politician I ever endorsed without the influence of Family or Friends.

-- Andrew D., Illinois

HERO Above Them All. While he might not have agreed with every person, he respected them all. He saw the best in everyone and spoke the truth as he knew it. God Bless John McCain.

-- Lawrence, Virginia

Senator McCain was not only a great Senator, but most importantly displayed great characteristics and great dignity. He was always known for doing things the right way, regardless of if you agree or disagree with him. I will never forget the moment he stood up for then Candidate Barack Obama on several occasions, He was not bitter when he lost in 2008 and showed and displayed grace. He will be missed. Thank you sir for your service to the United States for the last 60 years,

-- Nicholas, New Jersey

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

Iconic example of "A good man"

-- Leo, New Zealand

This is my tribute to an example of Values and Virtues of a Human Being. From a young age he understood that he could go far in service of our country- perhaps with an able help from his family. And as destiny and God would have it, he lands in a foreign country who could have none of his military values. And it is there where he learns that His Country is and should stand for much more that freedom, democracy, but for the benefit of all in this planet. And he matures his senses of Duty, Country, and Liberty, and Love, and Religion. Maturity came from pain and solitude and comparison of values and states of well being. A sense of team, collaboration, and mission and purpose took this young aviator to give true words to the words Hero, Senator, Father, Mentor, Husband, Son, and sailor of Legacy. RIP

-- Gus, California

John was often commenting that we had know each other since the early '80s. We shared some fun experiences at Grand Canyon's El Tovar for lunches and dinners over the years. We rafted the Colorado, hiked the Canyon, and co- chairs of the GCNP Foundation. My favorite memory was introducing him at a Foundation Cookout. I had been a Vietnam helicopter pilot, but never experienced his pain or truma... I introduced him as MY HERO and as the next President of the United States. I am honored to have known him and have wonderful memories.

-- Allen, Arizona

God bless the McCain family and surround each of you with peace.

-- Theresa, Michigan

Anyone who went thru as a prisoner as he did deserves the highest honor possible I don't think there could be many of us who could have endured that.

-- Nicholas, Florida

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

-- Steven, Arizona

I had the honor of being a delegate to the 2008 Republican National Convention. I enjoyed meeting Senator McCain there and remain proud to have helped nominate him for President.

-- David, Georgia

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

John Sidney McCain III exemplified to the highest degree the ideal of fortiter, fideliter, feliciter--bravely, faithfully, cheerfully. He was a man of honor and decency. He set the standard to which all should aspire and by which all should be measured.

-- Benjamin, South Carolina

Thank you for standing up for a free press and the First Amendment. And being honest about mistakes you made in life. We all have made some. It's called being human. You will be sorely missed!

-- Kerry, Arizona

Great, great man!! He had steel backbone and and was a model of principled leadership. Service to God and country before self. He was from the fabric all leaders should aspire to be made of.

-- MATTHEW, Virginia

I met Senator McCain at a book signing ceremony in Houston, TX. It was a honor for me to to meet with this officer and gentleman. RIP Senator McCain. My deepest condolences to Senator McCain’s family.

-- Bathiya, New York

Had the honor of meeting John McCain on two occasions in NY. I remember him telling how proud he was about his son enlisting in the USMC. I am proud of you JOHN, please Rest In Peace. Thank you for the good example you have demonstrated for Vietnam Veterans like myself. God bless you and your family. Donald J. Steinert USMC, proud Vietnam Veteran PS. I started reading Restless Wave last week.

-- Donald, New York

God Bless. Sleep tight.

-- Tim, United Kingdom

A TRUE AMERICAN HERO AND A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT MAY HIS MEMORY BE A BLESSING B'SHALOM

-- RICHARD, Massachusetts

The senator was a friend of Bulgaria! R.I.P!

-- Stoyko, Bulgaria

I remember Senator McCain's voice when I was serving with USAID in Iraq. His honest confrontation with the situation encouraged me in my work, but more importantly as a citizen. I will continue to be inspired by his work, his work, his words, his love of country, his dedication to service, and his memory.

-- Dana, California

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

-- Dan, Oregon

John McCain: An outstanding man and the best example of what a true American in politics should be, there are few that have the ability today to work with "let's work together" attitude but he was open for that. He has inspired both sides of the isle. he inspired me. Senator McCain stood firm when he refused to leave his men in Vietnam. He will always be known as a great American hero. I am saddened he is gone but feel he served his country well, showed self respect in the way he lived his personal life and political life. He is a man that God will take into eternity. Senator McCain is probably one of the few men that will be talked about in decades and years to come. God bless his sweet family.

-- Carol, Tennessee

He was a flyer like my Father in Vietnam, they knew each other ! He was very nice to me when he came to Havasu !!! Never forget

-- Linda, Arizona

Thank you Senator McCain for your service & sacrifice to our country and your undying/unwavering commitment to make our country better for all. God speed and fly high. Gods blessings of peace to his family and friends.

-- Dana, Illinois

Mr. McCain was a true patriot of the American people. We will miss this great man. Peace be with you.

-- Annette, California

God bless you sir, John Mc Cain. I admire your leadership

-- Kees, Netherlands

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.