The American polity is populated by many great people – that is, to say, individuals of power and influence. There are also good people – individuals of principle, honor and purpose who elevate and inspire us by their example. But rare are the souls in the nation’s public life who are truly both great and good. One of the few has now passed from our midst. He will be missed. John was well-known for being hard-nosed in his causes, but he was equally tender hearted. Accompanying his boxer’s toughness and resolve, was a poet’s sensibilities. He was the most formidable adversary and the best of allies. For his colleagues on the public stage he was often both. For John it was never personal or partisan or about the politics. The objective was always duty, the public interest, and what was right as he saw it. On that you could depend.

It’s no secret that John McCain’s hero was Theodore Roosevelt. And certainly no one personified TR’s “the man in the arena” more than John. Like Roosevelt’s ideal, he strived valiantly. He erred and came up short from time to time. He knew great enthusiasms and great devotions. Above all, he spent every ounce of his life and spirit on worthy causes. Three will stand out in our hearts and, hopefully, in the nation’s consciousness for generations to come: for every person to treasure freedom, to love the country and one another, and to serve causes greater than self-interest. As we lower our flags to honor a fallen patriot, may we lift our hearts in gratitude and with a renewed commitment to do and be better. Thank you, John. Fair winds and following seas!

-- John, Virginia

Our country has lost not only a Great statesmen but a true hero. My prayers go out to the family. But know, he will be well received at his new post.

-- Leonard, Illinois

Sen. McCain, you will be missed. Even though I did not agree with all your opinions. I respected the integrity and conviction you held and carried yourself with. America lost a great public servant today. God be with you.

-- Andrew, California

We never meet. I sometimes disagreed. Still, John was the best American to represent my generation. We will all eventually perish. I just hope to see another John McCain before that day.

-- John, Idaho

As a former Scoutmaster, SenMccain would den alter tI My new Eagle Scouts. It inlckude. a letter about making a flag out of scraps while he was a prisoner. My son still has his letter and he is 48 now. He never failed to make this Scout feel good.

-- John, Arizona

I have long admired the integrity of Senator McCain. While I have not agreed with him in some instances the motives behind his position were always beyond question. He was a true patriot placing county above personal interest. American would have been far better off is he had been elected President. The divisiveness that we see in both political parties could only have been bridged by someone of his character. His passing is a significant loss to the nation.

-- Brad, North Carolina

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

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

-- HUONG, Virginia

Thank you senator John McCain you are the greatest..# highly respected #Loved forever #RIP

-- Kimberly, Louisiana

Sen. McCain was a true American hero, and an incredible American. I am proud to be part of a culture that, with the exception of the moronic, mendacious, slimy ball of fecal matter presently slumming in the WH, was proud to have John McCain as a part of, and a representative of this government; he was a true Man of the People, a warrior, and a man of ideals, who stood up for what he believed in, whatever the odds. Rest in Peace, Sen. McCain.

-- Kurt, California

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

I remember Senator McCain as a great patriot and a great American which to me is the greatest honor I can bestow on him.

-- Ivan, Washington

A true American hero and a representative to all citizens! Our thoughts and prayers are with the McCain family.

-- Cristi, Kentucky

You will be missed Senator John McCain ! I'll Be praying for the family !

-- Carolyn, Kentucky

I never had the chance to meet senator McCain, but he was a patriot and a hero who served this great country passionately both in our military and in congress. he is truly an inspiration to many and respected and loved by all. my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his wife cindy, daughter meghan and the rest of his family and friends at this difficult time.

-- charlie, New York

I did not know John McCain personally, but loved his sense of honor and integrity. My father was a Marine and taught me to always be honorable and stand up for what I believed in. I lost him at 81 years old and was very close to him. Married to Vietnam veteran also. This brave man will be missed and I know my Dad would have written too. God Bless him and Mrs. McCain and family Ruthie

-- Ruthie, New Jersey

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

Our prayers are with your family

-- thomas, New York

I admired him for his service in uniform to our Country, his service in the Congress and Senate, his strength as a Politician and his example as a family man. He was valiant to the end and I will always remember his legacy and pray that those who feel disdain towards him and call him a RINO finally look at the truth and honor the man, husband, father, Sailor, leader, lawmaker that he was. RIP John McCain.

-- Joan, Virginia

Greatest hero of our time. Thank you for the examples you have set.

-- Lien, Maryland

I never had the honor of meeting Sen. McCain, but I'm deeply appreciative of all he's done for the country. John, you'll be missed.

-- David, Colorado

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

A am very sad over the loss of a great wonderful man. He will be so missed this incredible man.

-- Jill, Arizona

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

McCain Patriarch. American. Patriot. My-Kind-Of-Republican. Proverbs 31:8. Combative. Collaborator . Humble. Noble. Funny. Unpredictable. Honorable. Character. Intellectually Sovereign. Solid. Scrupled. Passionate. Unique. Tenacious. Unequivocal. Bookish. Incontrovertible. Steadfast. Vodka Snob. Charming. .........So Missed.

-- M, Texas

RIP, Senator McCain. Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh Lord. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May you find peace in the memories you share.

-- Diane, Florida

Condolences to his Family, friends and all who loved him. Rest and your spirit shall touch us. My older brother lost his life in Vietnam, and so I know John's enormous sacrifice.

-- Cheryl, Florida

I met him on his ranch some time back. I did some work on the ranch. He gave me a big hug. He knows me as cowboy. Very nice man. He is one hell of a man. We talked for a while. But every time, I talked to him. He was very nice. I love the man. I will miss him. God bless you John. You are in the Lord's hands now. And I know you are looking down and watching all of us and everything going on. We love you. God bless John McCain. Best man I have ever known.

-- James, Arizona

Senator John McCain, you will always be our hero. No-one can fill the vacuum you have left behind.You will be truly missed. May your sweet soul REST IN PERFECT PEACE. Our sincere condolences to the McCain Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

-- Madonna, Arizona

A truly heroic man who served his country well. He should be the role model for those in Congress as well as to the rest of the nation. He will be sorely missed by so many of us.

-- Kim, Texas

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

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

John McCain loved this country and I'm proud of how he's served this wonderful united states of america. He will always be remembered. It'll always be an honor to remember a wonderful person. Thank you and may god have mercy on your soul.

-- Thomas, New York

I appreciate his service to our country -

-- David, California

Thank you for putting our country first.

-- Boyer, Ohio

He was really awesome human being We will miss you Mr McCain ?may you Rest In Peace with no more pain

-- Ana, California

Thank you for your years of dedication to the United States, your commitment to uphold the Constitution and contributions for human rights. You will be missed. God Speed Senator.

-- Tedi, Texas

Senator McCain was one of the last great politicians in this country. I will remember him as a principled man who stuck to his guns and argued for what he thought was right, regardless of who was on the opposite side of the issue or his party’s position. I doubt that we will be fortunate enough to see any politician like him again. I am grateful to him for his service to our country and to his adherence to his principles. I send my love and respect to his family and hope they will know how much the American people will miss him.

-- David, New Jersey

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

-- Hector, Texas

You will be missed. Thank you for your leadership

-- Tom, Wisconsin

My husband & I contacted Sen McCain some years ago. We had a friend Robert Keys who was dying in hospital in AZ. He was a serviceman who admired Sen McCain. I called his office & asked that the Senator send Mr Keys a letter of appreciation for his service. He received that letter a few days before he died & it meant so much to him. So I called his office to thank him. Now I thank him again. God bless to you all. PS His daughter framed that letter

-- Charles & Celia, California

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

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

John was a true hero. a man that loved his country and his God. Not all men could have endured what he went through. A man that could disagree without being disagreeable. John now that your life here on earth is over. May your name in Gold be written in the autograph of God God Bless you, your lovely wife and your family. May he continue to Bless America the country we all love

-- Richard A., Arizona

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

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

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 met Senator McCain when he was on the campaign trail in NH. I attended his town hall meeting in Wolfeboro, NH. I asked him if he would wear my son’s memorial bracelet. I know he has worn it since that day. This country has lost a true hero and patriot. I am proud to call him a friend! He will be sadly missed.

-- Lynn, Kentucky

The last American hero. Honest, Brave, and Caring. He returned with Honor, and left with Honor.

-- Gregory, Michigan

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