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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.

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

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

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

He was a great man respected by most Canadians. He was a real hero who loved his country and knew how to interact with representatives of the world. He would’ve been a perfect President. May he rest in peace.

-- John, Canada

John, May you Rest In Peace in heaven with God! You lived a life that shows the world what American is about! May God bless your family!

-- Jack, California

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

I am a Texas resident, but that Didn’t keep me from Donating to Mr McCain re- election campaign.To me he was a true Republican. Admire his tenacity, and courage . True warrior. He will be missed by a lot of people. My condolences to all the Mc Cain family. May his Soul Rest In Peace.

-- Gustavo, Texas

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

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

I have nothing but respect for John. God bless John and family.

-- John, Pennsylvania

This is the only government official whom has ever earned my respect... we truly lost so much with his experiences. He was , is my hero.

-- Thomas, Colorado

The world has lost a great man. Thank you so much, Senator McCain. You have always been an inspiration. You would have been an amazing POTUS and a beacon for the entire free world. You have always been my hidden president. I salute you!

-- Andre, Germany

A Great Great Man. He will be miss by all

-- Ron, Washington

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

He would have been the Best President ever!! Also a President for everyone, not just his party. Hopefully his life will influence the rest of the USA. He was truly a great & honest person!!

-- Shirley, California

I became a citizen on this Great Nation over ten years ago. I am leaving the American dream, but this dream will be not possible without true heroes like Senator McCain. Thank you Senator McCain for being a true hero and your service. Thank you for being a great example that I can learn many thing to became myself a better citizen of this great nation. I wish that I could meet you and tell you how much I admired you. God Bless your family and those that serve this country.

-- Carlo, Arizona

Mr. McCain, Very saddened, to hear of your passing. I remembered the good times,over looking the bad times. I was stationed, in Vietnam, in 71-72. Like you, 08/19/51 is a good month, for me. I pray for your family, with these difficult times. You have given me incentive, to return to the Medical field. Have been an RN for 38 years. God bless your family. Keep the faith. Allen Duquette.

-- Allen, New York

You can always trust that Senator McCain will do the right thing, the man - who selflessly leads, inspires and always stands by principles. Today, when the free world faces one of the toughest fights against the forces of darkness, we, Georgians and all the other free nations have been blessed to have him. On the day of the Russian invasion in Georgia, while being in the Presidential race his phrase “today we all are Georgians” strongly resonated across as the call to rest of the world to stand against the Russian aggression.

-- Batu, Georgia

Navy Aviator McCain was honored by our Uncle Paul Carr. Paul flew during WII and lived his life as Sentor John McCain, a defender of the Constitution of the United States. As a Vietnam Vet and an American I am most proud of his ethics and Caring of his fellow man. John McCain was God’s Gift to us all.

-- John, Texas

My prayers go to john McCain Family he will be remember

-- Anthony, Pennsylvania

Rest in Peace, Warrior!

-- William, Indiana

My heartfelt sympathy to Cindy McCain, the McCain children and the rest of the McCain family for your loss. Senator McCain was a patriot and served our country well. Thank you for sharing him with us. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve.

-- Kathleen, Michigan

My husband, John and I voted for Senator McCain in his last race for the presidency! We believed strongly in his values, as they were ours. He upheld the strength and importance of our military. He was my sister's age, if she were alive today. My husband, John, is just 8 years his junior and served in the Army National Guard, but he could have been called up for Vietnam in a heart beat. He served at home with collage riots and the burning of Baltimore during the late 60's. I am 12 years his junior. During the Vietnam War, many suffered and died...yet many survived... John McCain was the ultimate survivor then went on to serve our USA admirably for many years...right up until he succumbed to brain cancer . May God bless his soul! Bless his family with Your Strength and Comfort, Lord!

-- Deborah, South Carolina

He was simply, my hero...

-- Dianne, Michigan

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

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

Our loss is immeasurable on Senator McCain's passing. He will be missed beyond bounds, but he will rightly become part of the best part of the history of America's "experiment." He cared more for the country and people around the world then he did for himself. His courageous contributions to our world are seen in the outpouring of words of sympathy from people from every part of the world. It may sound insufficient, but is meant with utmost sincerity: Thank you, Senator McCain, for your life of service. You are greatly loved.

-- Ray, Illinois

I just plain miss him....I had much interaction with him over the years and I just plain miss him ...there was never anyone like him and never will be...

-- Greta, Washington, D.C.

I feel the loss of you, Senator McCain. I mourn you no longer being here and I know how special you were. I wish you could have stayed.

-- Meredith, Alaska

Thank you for your service to this country. Dedication to our country is hard to find.

-- John A, Florida

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

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

-- John, California

In prayer for all and each one of John McCain in peace and comfort in the Lord Jesus Christ Holy Name Ask!! The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit AMEN

-- Mary, Kentucky

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

He was the first, and only politician who spoke for me-- a Vietnam vet. Rest In Peace

-- David, Vermont

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

It was such an honor working on the 2008 campaign. If anyone deserved to be the President of this country, Senator John McCain was the one. Spent his entire life serving this country, what a loss to all Americans.

-- Candace, California

Thank you.

-- Victor, Arizona

One thing I know: No matter what your politics, John McCain believed that no human being of whatever race, creed, ethnicity, heritage, or supposed criminal activity should be tortured. He Believed that torture was wrong -- always!. And so do I.

-- Jean, Wisconsin

I enjoyed campaiging for John, at his office. He was a wonderful person. The staff was great there was always, an aboundance of food and treats, for the volunteers! You would never go hungry in his office. My deepest sympathy to his whole family.

-- Marie, Arizona

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

I am a Democrat who wept when hearing of Sen. Mccains death. A GREAT man, with integrity and courage.

-- Jan, Oregon

My family will miss seeing John at the Dback games...

-- ralph, Arizona

Although I never met him, as a chef, I prepared food for his team during the 2008 Civil Forum at Saddleback Church. It was an exciting privilege, and debate with then candidate Obama. I'm sure if Senator McCain had won (as I hoped and voted), our country would be in much better shape. I am sure he was received into heaven with "well done, good and faithful servant." God bless his family and may the Lord comfort them with peace, grace, and strength in these difficult days ahead. Thank you John McCain for your service, strength and dedication.

-- sally, California

John McCain was a hero, a respected leader and wish he was elected President. He will be missed.

-- Arun, Florida

Honor to a great Hero

-- Eduardo R., Florida

I can't imagine our country without this amazing man. He will be sorely missed.

-- Laurie, 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

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

I met John in April 1964 in Pensacola FL where I was taking an orientation tour of Navy aviation. It was a top gun experience! I admired John while I served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and supported him in his congressional and presidential efforts thereafter. He was a man who continued to learn and contribute to his country right to the end. He will be missed. May God bless his family.

-- Charles, South Carolina

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.