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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.
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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.

John McCain was; is; and will always be an American Hero. Service and Duty to our Country/our Constitution above all is the hallmark of this flawed human being who dedicated his life to creating "a more perfect Union" rather than foolishly searching for the perfect ideology. He spoke to my Civic Heart from across the isle. He deserves a "Presidential" Library; it's the least a grateful nation can humbly offer him.

-- Manuel, New York

I met John McCain in 1985, when he spoke to my graduating class at Washington HS. I became a supporter and follower of his from that day forward. He was an amazing man with strong values. Arizona and America will not be the same without him.

-- Brent, Arizona

Mission Accomplished. Rest in Peace.

-- greg, Minnesota

Thank you Senator McCain for raising the bar and being a great leader to us. You will be missed dearly.

-- Raymond, Arizona

Remembering a very, very good man. What a great example John McCain left for us to follow. Farewell brave hero. Sleep well.

-- Audrey, New Jersey

My deepest condolences to Johns family and closest friends! I believe he was a man of utmost integrity! John is the reason I registered to vote. And the reason I continue to do so. I never thought it was that important until the 2008 election. He made me realize just how important it is to not only register but to actually go out and vote. He will forever be remembered not just to me but so many other people as well. May he rest in peace! And may God forever watch over us all!

-- Edward, Florida

Thank you for all you've done for the country and the people, Senator. You have led a remarkable life indeed. I shall miss you, sir. Goodbye for now.

-- Francis, California

Senator McCain never lost his sense of humor, even when things weren't going well. In the summer of 2007, with his presidential campaign flat broke and in shambles, he came to Des Moines to try to stem volunteer defections to other campaigns. I was one of those volunteers. During a quiet moment, I was talking to my nephew Scott on my cell phone and on a whim, asked the Senator if he'd like to speak to an undecided Iowa voter. With a look of glee on his face, McCain said "Give me your phone. What's his name?" I told him, he grabbed my phone and without missing a beat, said "Scott, this is John McCain. Vote for me, or tomorrow morning you're going to find your car up on cement blocks!" What a great and good-natured man. I will miss him.

-- Jim, Iowa

Thank you very much for the support of Ukraine.

-- Oleksandr, Ukraine

John McCain's courage inspired me to face my own cancer diagnosis.

-- Kathryn, Washington

Senator McCain, Your passing causes me much sadness. There are very few men like you that loved our country as much as you did in your lifetime. Thank you for your service to our beloved country.

-- Alice, California

John McCain was a true American hero. He truly represented loyalty to the laws of the US. He will be sorely missed especially in today's political climate where independent thinking is crucial to our democracy.

-- Dale, Arizona

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

-- Stoyko, Bulgaria

I first knew John McCain when as a naval officer he was the liason for the Navy to the Senate. I was on the Foreign Relations Committee which often brought us together. He was a young man in his 40's. But he was soon off to run for the House in 1982 and then the Senate in 1986 to replace Barry Goldwater. I was active in his first Senate run, campaigned with him in Arizona and found him support from around the nation which wasn't hard to do. John remembered people who helped him that first time out. I was in his home a number of times and he in mine. In the Senate he was fiercely independent - not so much at the outset but certainly as he gained seniority. His unpredictability often drove our caucus up the wall, but for me he was always a hero who didn't need excuses to follow his own path. Not only was he heroic beyond my comprhension, but he actually forgave those who had tortured and abused him. He was an amazing man. What an example he set. I was proud to be his friend

-- Senator Rudy, Minnesota

I met this lovely person at the Leesburg Virginia airport when he was traveling with Col. Oliver North. We had discussions concerning Aviation during which he highly complimented me in my aviation endeavors. I am convinced that he is a true American Hero whose name should be memorialized along with this nations greatest.

-- david, Virginia

My love and prayers go to the family of this fine man. When he first started in politics both my daughter and myself worked in his office and worked for him. We also worked for Jon Kyl and Barry Goldwater. Prayer and hope that his replacement will be of a very high caliber, like Jon Kyle. I hope young people will read of his devotion and learn what keeps America the land of the free!

-- Billie, Oregon

THE SENATORWAS SPEAKING IN AKRON, OHIO AT THE HILTON HOTEL.WE PASSED EACHOTHER IN THE HALL. I THANKED HIM FOR HIS SUPPORT OF ISRAEL,AND HE SAID"DON'T WORRY".WE SHOOK HANDS.

-- HARVEY, Ohio

please accept my condolence

-- george, New York

I did not personally meet Mr. McCain, but my son did when we lived at Dobson Ranch in the early 1980s. John had an office in the ABCO shopping center. One day, my son and his friend were riding bikes behind the stores when they spotted a pallet of soda at the back of McCain's office. Being young boys they started to take some soda, when John came out. Instead of yelling at the boys, he offered them each a soda. My son always remembered that little incident!

-- Joy, Arizona

Many thanks John. All the best to the family.

-- Craig, Florida

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

He was truly on of American Heros in my book and I wuill keep him in my prayer

-- James, Louisiana

I truly "enjoyed" my Hanoi Hilton time with John. To the maximum extent possible, he made prison "fun". He was a red-blooded American guy from the git-go and right up to the end. And politically, he was always about ten levels above the average politician in that he'd lived all his prison years in a system where they have only one political party, which owned the army, the factories, the raw materials, the TV stations, the newspapers, the publishing houses where every book for every child in every grade was published. No competition. John appreciated our system in which our two major parties keep each other honest, to say the least. John always struggled to protect our system, and he knew from first-hand experience that the biggest problem Americans have is that they have no clue as to how lucky they are. God Bless John Sydney McCain III.

-- Larry, California

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

Thank you for your service to our country, Sir. May His Grace and Blessings be bestowed on your family. A true patriot and leader...

-- Kathy, Virginia

To the family of senator John McCain. The first thing I want to say is that I am a Democrat and as a Democrat I want to wish the McCain family my deepest condolences. John McCain was a great man and will be missed. This country will never be the same without him . John in my eyes and in my heart you are a hero to everyone of us . We all love you and will miss you . John there is a reason why god took you from us . He has other plans for you and am sure you will be better then you were here on earth . My god bless you and your family . Never

-- Mike, California

I am a WA State democrat and my heart aches for this country's loss. John McCain set an example for each of us - to be true to yourself while respecting and honoring others as well. God bless him and his family.

-- Cindy, Washington

Thank you so much to John McCain for giving me the opportunity to work and travel with him on the 2000 campaign—it was an absolute highlight of my professional life. And thank you for serving as a political hero—both for the nation, and for my son-who was awed by him-and other young Americans at a time where kids have way too few politicians to look up to. To be both driven by principle, and to be able to apologize, are such admirable traits, and he was a true leader. And he was a lot of fun. It was an honor to know him. Thank you Senator John McCain.

-- Maya, Maryland

A true American hero. May God rest his soul

-- Neal, Connecticut

Thank you John for your service to all people of this nation. both in war and peace. Fair winds and calm seas on your journey. RIP.

-- Robert, California

I worked on the last mccain campaign and I will never forget how much he respected his opponents. He was a class act and spoke well of all- even those who did not return the respect. Thank you Senator for teaching us was kindness and virtue looked like.

-- D, 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 met the senator once in New jersey during a campaign event during his presidential bid. I had his photograph in my office since that day. John represented what is best about this nation. We shared a few things; we were both born in Panama ,both loved flying and we fought for Israel and the USA. He was a brave, honest and kind human being. I am priviliged to have know him. This country would have been much different if John had become president. Rest in peace

-- Dr. Ruben, New Jersey

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

Our country's real hero!

-- Kenneth, Virginia

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

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

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.

Senator McCain’s unique knowledge and commitment to the world’s security revived my optimism and determination to move forward. The bi-partisan senator is my role model. It’s impossible not to get inspired by the way he stands-up for what he believes in and how he acts with civility, sticking to his principles.

He is a world leader that has set an example in Washington and with his actions and character, reminds me and my fellow Albanians of what a leader can do and be. Because of him, I am inspired not to settle for the low standards set by any politician.

-- Edlira, Albania

I considered him a wonderful honest politician. A man of the people.

-- Ruth Lee, New York

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

-- Deena, Massachusetts

Senator McCain has showed the world what real leadership means - deliberate, thoughtful, and principled - regardless of personal difficulties. We are all richer for his example of true citizenship, and for his lifetime of service.

-- Brenda, Canada

In 2009, I was working as a physician in Phoenix and went to a meeting where John McCain was the guest speaker. After the speech, I was talking with some colleagues, turned around, and there was the Senator. I certainly did not expect that he would come out afterwards to talk with any of us. He shook my hand and thanked me for being a physician in the state. I stammered something about him always being an inspiration to me (I still have a copy of "Character is Destiny") that I am sure made little sense. Still - the fact that this important man would just come out and talk to local constituents like that always stuck with me. If the political winds had different timings, he would have been a superb President - but regardless he was a superb Senator and human being.

-- Marc, Colorado

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

-- Nancy, Virginia

Thank you for your honorable service Sir. You will be greatly missed.

-- Cathy, California

I just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to this wonderful human being. My heart is broken. I was born in Africa and met my Irish American husband in Germany. He was in the military and we got married in Germany and came here. I remember during the election I was standing with my two children when we saw McCain's tour bus passing over I-4. I was jumping up and down when I saw it and started crying. I was feeling so emotional when I saw his tour bus zooming through our state. As much as I love and admire Obama, I was a McCain supporter because of his gentleness and purity. May he rest in peace. I will be praying for his wife Cindy and their family. Men like him are a blessing to all of us.

-- Eve, Florida

Thank You Mr McCain for your leadership in the Senate as well as in the Navy, RIP A viet nam veteran

-- John A, Indiana

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

Thank you to John McCain & his family for service & sacrifice to this country. My deepest condolences to the family.

-- Brigitte, Florida

You taught us to forgive. I wish I could have been a better student .

-- Nolan, California

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.