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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.
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.

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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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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.

A man of principle, honesty and courage. I fear for our country without him in it.

-- Mary, New York

To the entire McCain family, and all the people of the US of A, please accept my sincerest condolences on you loss of a truly proud American and supported of the American people and the country that he fought for both in war and public life. I sincerely wish that all elected officials around the world strive to attain the same level of honour and commitment to the people they represent, their countries and all the people of the world. You will be missed.

-- Louis, Canada

A honest man, a fair human, thank you.

-- Uwe, Germany

As an immigrant, I am proud of all your legacy, we will miss you Senator Mc. Cain for his brave and resilient personality. The world needs more heroes like you. God bless all your family.

-- Ismar, Texas

To a dedicated military and statesman I say a job well done and need more like you to follow. You could never be replaced with your prisoner of war and political records you have done this wonderful country a great deed. Gods blessings.

-- John, Texas

Thank you for your enduring service to our country. I voted for you in the 2008 Presidential election.

-- Marcie, Illinois

I was very saddened to hear of Mr. McCain's passing. I was (and still am) an admirer of the man. I wish he had run for president. He was one of the few true patriots in this country. He will be sorely missed.

-- Teresa, Nebraska

My prayers to all his family and may he Rest In Peace . It would of been a great privilege to of meet such a man my condolences to all of his loved ones

-- Maria, California

Happy trails good friend till we meet again! Rest well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Thomas N, Arizona

I will never forget the Senator's reaction in defense of his competitor, Barrack Obama, during the presidential campaign of 2008. When a woman in the audience said she did not trust Obama and that Obama was an arab, McCain showed his character when he replied that Obama was a good and decent family man. A true statesman, this country has lost a special and unique person, who put his principles and love of family and country above himself. A rare thing in today's political climate! I hope (and pray) that somewhere, there is someone who can stand up for what is right, just as Senator McCain did day in and day out. Thank you sir-we are so grateful for your service!

-- Frances, Minnesota

Some politicians will be remembered as a good Republican or a good Democrat. John McCain will be remembered as a good man.

-- Richard, Indiana

Thank you sir, for your service to our country. We honor and appreciate your sacrifices. Condolences to your Family and Friends.

-- Jean & David, California

My deepest sympathy to the family of John McCain on their great loss.

-- Barry, New Mexico

It was my pleasure to meet John personally, talk and have dinner with him and a few friends in Tucson around 2011. I had the honor to offer a toast for his service and sacrifice to our Country. An honor I'll never forget. Our Country is a better place for his presence and contributions. My sympathy and prayers to his family.

-- Michael, Arizona

So grateful for a strong man who was a POW for 5 1/2 years, returned and gave more service to his country through the political arena, and was strong enough to speak out against one of our leaders who had continued to tear our country apart without Senator McCain getting down in the dirt with the individual. As the step-son of Dowell McCain, another WWII veteran, who passed on some years ago, I am proud to have been encouraged by the life and legacy of Senator McCain!

-- Edward, Texas

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

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

On my 3rd day interning on Capitol Hill in May 2001, I got on the trolley that goes from the Capitol to the Senate office buildings. Senator John McCain came around the corner, and sat down next to me. The first thing I asked him was, “Am I sitting in the Members-Only car?” He said “No, you’re fine.” For the next 4 minutes a Republican and a Democrat chatted about Bucks County, PA, Congressman Jim Greenwood, Penn State football, and campaign finance reform (I got a direct quote from the author of the McCain-Feingold bill for my summer semester paper). I’ll never forget the deep scars down the sides of his face, and thinking about all he had been through. He directed me to the bar I was going to for Happy Hour.

-- Amanda, Washington, D.C.

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

-- Jan, 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

A man and gentleman who had dignity, integrity and was persistent in accomplishing the many tasks he wanted to get done. He disagreed with many but for the good and well being of the American citizens and then died with courage and leaving us in a better place due to his accomplishments.

-- Tony, Wisconsin

Well done good and faithful servant.

-- Marha, New York

My profound sympathy on the passing of Senator McCain. He was an officer and a gentleman as well as an example of a person we should all try to be. His respect for those with whom he disagreed is legendary as is his love and respect for his country. Senator McCain certainly fought the good fight. Thank you for your service, Sir!

-- Frank, California

I never personally met John McCain... yet, because of how he lived politically and how he bore true suffering at his captors hands because he couldn’t leave before his turn... I have always deeply respected him. I feel like our country has lost a marker and standard of honor with his passing. I will miss his ‘maveric’ style and his obvious desire for Country first during decisions in the Senate. All of us are better people for having had the glimpse of a man like him. God Bless the family of Senator John McCain, and thank you for sharing him with me.

-- Nancy, Washington

John McCain, you were my HERO, you are my HERO! Rest in peace, I am going to miss you.

-- Saat, Florida

Always was a servant to this great nation and its people. God rest your soul.

-- Timothy, California

When I think of the legacy of John McCain I think of a man who was so humble, that he cared more about what God thought about him, than what others believed. He did not follow the crowd, nor run with whatever the latest fad was to be. Honesty and the ability to see through all the rhetoric was the mainstay of this wonderful patriot. We could all learn a lot from him and I hope those in government take a moment to realize who and what they have lost. Our country has grown a bit poorer with his passing...

-- Dave, California

Many thanks John. All the best to the family.

-- Craig, Florida

I never met John. I’m a Democrat and have much respect for his military and US senate service. We have lost a great hero and public servant and are poorer for it. There will never be another like him. My heartfelt sympathies to you his family and you are in my thoughts. Mary , Oklahoma

-- Mary, Oklahoma

God Bless You ! Never see a man like him again !

-- Renee, New Jersey

I graduated from the Naval Academy in 1959. I remember meeting him on several Saturdays while marching off conduct violations during our time at the academy. In 1969 I acquired a POW bracelet with John?s name and date of captivity inscribed on it. I wore it until his return to the USA. I am giving the bracelet to my grandson, who as been a loyal fan of John since he was 5 years old. John will always be remembered for his courage and loyalty to the United States of America. May he rest in peace knowing that he has fought for a better world and a great America.

-- Patrick, Arizona

Citizen – hero – patriot

-- Citizen – hero – patriot, New Jersey

Thank you sir for every thing you did for this great country you will be missed god bless .

-- mike, Washington

Stay in hell forever! I hope you will see many children from vietnam war bastard! Murder is in hell

-- Czech, Czechia

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

Thank you.

-- Victor, Arizona

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

-- HUONG, Virginia

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

Despite being Russian, and totally an opponent to the Respectable Mr. McCain views, I have to pay a tribute, homage and respect to the real patriot of his country. That's the kind of people our countries stand on. Rest in peace, Mr. McCain.

-- Alexander, Russia

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 have always admired John McCain’s love of our country and his commitment to service. His courage in dealing with brain cancer was yet one more example of his admirable approach to life. He will be missed by all.

-- Wendy, New Jersey

As former residents of Arizona we were always proud that John McCain represented our state. We remember Senator McCain taking time out of his very busy schedule to show his support of support Linkages (an organization promoting the employment of people with disabilities). John McCain was truly a man of action and not just lip-service. May his family find comfort in the expressions of gratitude and admiration so deeply felt by people all over the world.

-- Charles and Julia, Tennessee

He was a man of true honor and courage. His unique style and humor will be missed in this world.

-- Mike, California

Thank for the blanket of FREEDOM you so unselfishly provided to everyone in the Initef States ofErica with your service and dedication to every AmericaGod ZBless you and your family

-- Judith, California

He was a great man and my hope in this hard time for our country. Will be remembered forever!

-- vladislav, Pennsylvania

God Bless him.

-- Andrew, California

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

-- Gregory, Michigan

Our hearts go to the McCain family and our country for his lost!

-- Maria, Florida

You will be so missed. The country loved you. Rest in peace.

-- Connie, Arizona

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

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.