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:

Arizona State Capitol

August 29, 2018

Open to the Public
Livestream Online

Arizona Public Procession

August 30, 2018

Arizona State Capitol to
North Phoenix Baptist Church

North Phoenix Baptist Church

August 30, 2018

Limited Public Seating Available
Livestream Online

United States Capitol

August 31, 2018

Open to the Public
Livestream Online

Washington, D.C. Public Procession

September 1, 2018

United States Capitol to
Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Washington National Cathedral

September 1, 2018

Invitation Only
Livestream Online

Click for Media and Press 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you Senator John McCain for your support of the military.

-- Msg David, Texas

It was not until after I retired from the Navy in 1976 that I had the opportunity to read about and then follow the career of the man who has become a hero to so many of us. Senator McCain earned the respect of all those who he represented - and he represented us all - here in Arizona and across the country. We have all benefited from having as our American champion, Our Senator, John McCain.

-- Ed, Arizona

I never met you but I can see a Great person in you. You served for our country. I am a democrat and in the last few years, the way you were treated were unfair and not deserved. I will pray for you and your family during this difficult time Sir.

-- Abraham, New York

Rest in Peace Thank you for your service

-- carolynn, Pennsylvania

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

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

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

-- Kathryn, Washington

I am an independent and I voted for Senator McCain for president twice. He was the real thing. I will miss him terribly. Sheila, Massachusetts

-- sheila, Massachusetts

With all of his dedication and honest effort, he gave much for this country.

-- Charles, Arizona

The death of Senator McCain is not only a great loss in the US, his death is a loss for all democrats in the world who fight for freedom and their believes. Senator McCain was an extraordinary and independent personality who did not just say what the present leadership wants to hear. The current policy is poor with characters like him.

-- Torsten, Germany

We will never forget you, Senator McCain. It’s a heartbreaking day.

-- Kate, Massachusetts

A honest man, a fair human, thank you.

-- Uwe, 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

Praying for the family of John McCain at this time of loss. I grew up inspired by his focus and dedication to serve the people of our country. His story is one that embellished the American dream, a true American Hero. His memory will be an example that will continue to inspire the people of this great country. God bless.

-- Tim, Georgia

I will never forget when God put it on my heart to support Senator McCain's campaign. The more I learned about Senator McCain, the more I respected him and appreciated all that he had done for this country. Even the man he was personally impressed me. I gathered signatures in VA to insure his name appeared on the primary ballot. I was privileged to see him in the rotunda of the US Capitol building after fighting all night on the Senate floor. After that, he slept all day on the couch in his office. There were so many things he did publicly that made a difference in this nation, but there was so much more that most people don't even know. Senator McCain was a blessing to the US, and I pray that God comforts his family with memories of all of his wonderful contributions and his model life.

-- Markita, Virginia

Rest well upon the mountain, mighty oak. May your work(s) speak for you throughout antiquity. America, and the world, have been magnificently blessed by Sen. McCain’s unparalleled service and sacrifice.

-- Gwendolyn & Rev. Louis, Pennsylvania

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

Being a first generation immigrant and die hard democrat party supporter, I have always felt heartened by the honesty and patriotism of Sen.Mccain. He was a example to me of the greatness left in public service and my faith in my new country always was firm thanks to him. My prayers for this wonderful man.

-- Kumar, New Jersey

The only politician I ever supported with my wallet. John brought honor to policy and politics and leadership by action and example. My best to his family. The United States has lost a giant with. Let his legacy of fierce independence be forever preserved. God bless his soul in the name of Jesus Christ. Oh... and of course, Fly Navy!

-- Sam, California

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

Dedicated to America. There is really nothing more one needs to say.

-- Paul, Illinois

Couple years ago I was at the Phoenix airport with my young son and son in law. I was sending off my son in law to another tour in Afghanistan as a highly decorated Special Forces soldier. Senator McCain came over to us and thanked my son in law for his service. They chatted privately for a few minutes and took pictures together. Amazing man. A real friend!

-- Lee, Arizona

ONLY THING I HAVE TO SAY IS AS A MARINE MY FATHER WAS WWll MARINE AND MY STEP DAD WAS IN THE NAVY 4 32 YEARS. I MAY HAVE EVEN MET JOHN WHILE ON THE BASE AT ALAMEDA. ALL I KNOW IS I HOPE HE GETS FULL HONORS AT ARLINGTON. GOD BLESS YOU ALL

-- WILLIAM, Kansas

Thank you for your service John.

-- j, Minnesota

You will be missed. Continue to watch over us. Thank you for your service Our American Hero. RIP

-- paula, New York

I met the character of John McCain within the pages of his book, Faith of My Fathers, well-matched with his conduct as a man. It describes the ground of his action and the enduring worth of his cherished commitments. Whatever shortcomings each person exercises in life or fame which endures, it is the reason for it that all makes sense. Their works do follow them. Rest in Peace.

-- Herbert, California

I will always remember Sen. John McCain's passion to always do what he felt was right for Americans everywhere. John McCain fought for and risked his life for this nation, and I will never forget that. I have no doubt that the Senator will be welcomed into Heaven and will be greeted with open arms.

-- Aidan, Pennsylvania

I never met John McCain, but it looks like he cared a lot about the American People, He spoke up about the what was right and wrong about politics, He voted in the house about which way to go about each bill the way it was planned out, God Bless you RIP John McCain, our condolences goes out to the family, Thank you for your service.

-- Melanie, Arizona

I ran into John years ago. He was running through the Phoenix airport on his way back to Washington. He carried his own suitcase instead of leaving that chore to his assistant. When I said, "Hello, Senator!" he stopped, gave me that big smile, and chatted for a few moments, despite the fact that he was obviously in a great hurry. What a guy!

-- John, Nebraska

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

I had the honor of being Sen McCain's co chair of his Jewish Advisory Council 08. I am also the McCippah lady. I'm glad I got to know and help him. He will be missed by so many for his honesty and candor. Sleep well Senator!

-- Judy, Pennsylvania

I voted for John McCain because he was a real life Rambo.

-- JOLEEN, Massachusetts

Many thanks John. All the best to the family.

-- Craig, Florida

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

-- Sarah, Colorado

Thank you for your service John McCain. Heart breaking, so sad!

-- John, California

You will be missed. Thank you for your leadership

-- Tom, Wisconsin

Clearly the loss of a fine and decent man ; our sympathy to his family , to his state and his great country. A hero indeed !

-- Al and Angela, Canada

I related to Senator McCain because he was different from most in Congress. He put values and beliefs before political affiliations. He was the best within us. I am sad at our loss but rejoice that he will be rewarded and welcomed in heaven.

-- Jane, Tennessee

A great role model who stayed true to his convictions despite enormous pressure from his own party. He will be missed.

-- Bill, Massachusetts

John McCain was a true American hero.He did lot's of great things for USA,and for democracy in the world.His leadership will be great example for young generation.He will be remembered as best leader in America,and in the world.

-- Mensur, North Carolina

As I sit and listen to the life of Senator John McCain, I knew about his time as captured solider, his friendship with Senator Edward Kennedy. So much can be said about his work as Senator to our nation.I respected him because he put country before party. He ran for President twice and both the men that he ran against both President's Bush and Obama will speak at his funeral service. So to honor his life we all should try to bring back kindness in our lives. To speak the truth, own to our errors and poor judgement. Stop with calling the truth lies, to stop name calling,to respect the press. Not saying this is fake etc. Will everything be perfect in our country no. But take this time to reflect on TRUE patriots of America. That was Senator John McCain. My prayers to his family and Friends

-- tracey, Pennsylvania

Because of Senator McCain, I feel there is always hope in humanity. I am very grateful for your contribution to good of mankind. You will be missed always!

-- Tin, Wisconsin

Always proud of John every time we read about or listened to him on TV. He was not a great American...He was one of the Greatest Americans. He loved his family, his Senate and House friends, co-workers and the American people. Saddened by his capture, being a prisoner of war and always listening to news of him through those years. One of our happiest days was when he was released. God bless you and you family. You too are remarkable! We loved John McCain! He can never be replaced.??????????

-- William and Michele, Illinois

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

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

I am a democrat. Senator McCain was one conservative that I listened to. His love and desire for a better country shined through his words and deeds. Thank you Senator you will always have my respect

-- Gene, Washington

I was a Democrat, but when John ran for President, I'd always said that if he ever ran , I would support him. Party didn't matter as much to me as the intent and decency of the candidate. John is the reason I became a bipartisan ..until trump...and I will be again when integrity is restored to the GOP... by emulating John's ethics. It can honestly be said that John was a "great man", that only comes along in decades. I wasn't prepared, though I knew it might come. Even now, John helps us differentiate the split screen contrast between revered and notoriety. He helped us through the troubled days of late while he was here, and will be the inspiration for us to regain our country's place in the world. I will remember you, John.

-- Jenneva, Arizona

Senator McCain, thank you for being a HERO to all Americans. I’m a naturalized American and you were the reason why I started to vote and I casted my first Presidential vote for you. Because I respected your love of country and respect for all people across the world. Love of country was obvious but I truly believe it was the passion to serve others and your desire to help others live better lives that sharpened and defined your innate leadership skills. The suffering you endured in Hanoi, made you a stronger and better man who recognized and value people as human beings and individuals and made you rise above politics, party, or personal gain. You leave a great legacy and your life and service will inspire many. Hopefully the current politicians will learn and follow your leadership and voters will recognize to vote wiser. Rest In Jesus’s Loving Arms.

-- Betsy, Massachusetts

Dear Cindy I am so deeply sympathy your husband he is good men We'll best to your family. Love you Anthony Canale

-- Anthony, New York

I am so thankful for Senator McCain's service and sacrifice for our country. I have appreciated his communication through the years when I reached out to him even though I wasn't from Arizona. We are keeping your family in our prayers!

-- Ken, Arkansas

Share Your Own Memory of John McCain:

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

John Sidney McCain III 1936 - 2018