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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's voice when I was serving with USAID in Iraq. His honest confrontation with the situation encouraged me in my work, but more importantly as a citizen. I will continue to be inspired by his work, his work, his words, his love of country, his dedication to service, and his memory.

-- Dana, California

RIP

-- Vikram, Georgia

I am a Viet Nam veteran and a Republican. I have always held John McCain in the highest regard. I watched the return of the POWs and cried as they exited the plane. God Bless John McCain

-- Lamar, Georgia

Thank you John McCain for your loyal service and the time you spent in in OUR HONOR. Rest in Peace.

-- dana, Florida

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

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

Senator McCain, was a great American, great leader, great man , My deepest sympathy to the family, rest in peace.

-- Lorenzo, Arizona

Senator McCain stood by us when we were in a position to lose our house, and intervened with Bank of America on our behalf. His help was invaluable to us and I will never forget his kindness, nor his and his office staff's efforts. RIP

-- Jessica, 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

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

I did not personally know senator McCain but he is one of the greatest men I have ever known of. He helped everyone he could no matter who they were. He will be sadly missed, I am at a lost for words over how much he meant to me and a lot of people. I will keep his family in my prayer's.

-- Becky, Arizona

I was always pleased to see John McCain standing up for my beliefs. He made me proud to be an American. Thank you John McCain

-- Jo, Illinois

We worked for you in 2000 and were able to meet you twice in 2002. You were always one of the "good guys." Thank you for all you said and did in public life.

-- Carolyn & Bob, Arizona

Take your rest...you brave soldier having fought the good fight of faith until your name was echoed from heaven's realm for your task has been completed. Your example of courage will not be gotten. You will be missed.

-- Phillip, South Carolina

I worked for Senator McCain presidential campaign. I was a coordinator for getting him on the Virginia primary ballot. I also work many hours during the campaign. I believe that he was a great American hero and someone who we should all strive to be emulate. Nobody did more for his country than the Senator, and I wish will my heart that he gets his final reward. I would like to extend my family sympathy. He provide my family the freedoms we enjoy.

-- Bob, Louisiana

John McCain is a true hero! He will be missed by all. I don't know of anyone in America who has sacrificed so much for his country! Truly a special man. May America's politicians learn to serve their country half as well as Senator McCain! Thank you sir! Thank you for everything.

-- Toni, Texas

Good bye Senator McCain,thank you for your service, you were a real hero.. You'll be gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace

-- Rose, Massachusetts

I had the opportunity to talk with Senator McCain many times in Yuma and in DC. In 2008 I was a delegate from Yuma to the Republican National Convention in MN. Senator. McCain and family sat right in front of me and being there was just awesome. I went door to door for him in Vegas - it was my honor. God bless you Senator McCain - you are in a better place. Thank you for all you did for this country.

-- Cindy, Arizona

God Bless. Sleep tight.

-- Tim, United Kingdom

I have always admired John McCain's courage and strength of character. We owe him a debt of gratitude, one we could never repay. Thank you for a lifetime of service to our country...for the example of patriotism and citizenship you have demonstrated. To the McCain family, I mourn with you and will be praying for you during these difficult days. Your husband and father will love on in our hearts and American spirit. May God's peace and comfort be yours. What a man...what a legacy John McCain leaves behind...a true American hero...my hero! Not many would give their lives for people they don't even know...yet John Mc Cain gave it all willingly. Thank you...forever grateful!

-- Pam, Florida

You asked to that when you are gone, how would you like to be remembered? You said "That you lived honorably." Sir, you did. Some will call you hero, father, friend, and Senator. I will call you a Sailor. One of "OUR" Navy's best. I can only offer you a thank you. Fair Winds and Following Seas.

-- Naeem, Ohio

he put his fellow soldiers before himself. He put the country before himself. That's what a hero is. John McCain is a true hero.

-- Fred, Florida

Dear McCain Family... I wrote both my Colorado Senators today because the passing of John McCain has left big shoes to fill. He did the job of three people! He wasn’t a political lemming... he was a true leader. A real statesman. His courage, strength, and honor are what all our politicians should emulate. While his party affiliation was important, his conscience and doing what was right was always more important. All our politicians should should heed that mantra. And learn how to work across the aisle instead of fighting like grade school kids in the sandbox. Senator McCain is the best example to the world of what it means to be an American, to live in a free democracy, and to be a true “son of Liberty”.

-- Diane, Colorado

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

I never meet Sen. John McCain. However throughout my 66 years of this earth I got to know Senator McCain. He was a good, decent man. He was a good family man. He was a Vietnam war hero. I called him my friend even though I never got to shake his hand. The world will miss Sen. McCain. His smile, his tenacity but most of all his character. He will for generations be a model of what each one of us should emulate each day. Character, truth, honesty, and his love of his family and country. May Sen. McCain rest now in the loving grace of God our Father and his Son Jesus Christ.

-- Randolph, Rhode Island

Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see GOD. Senator John McCain had every reason to be hard hearted, but time and time again, John forgave...pure hearted John forgave. He always looked forward, not back. He walked the walk. He kept reaching. He was human, but he didn't quit. He kept looking up. God is his strength. So yes, blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see GOD. Thank you McCain Family for sharing John with us. We pray you know God's presence, love and comfort during these very difficult days.

-- Debbie, Virginia

My family and I had the honor of meeting Senator McCain at a craniofacial conference on Capital Hill in 1999. He was so kind and spoke with each family individually. A few years later and after exhausting all hope with a very crooked insurance company , I turned to the Senator for guidance on how to get my daughter’s medical procedure covered. He, in turn, contacted our insurance company and had the final appeal overturned and approved. He did not have to help us but he did. A man of integrity and character. We will always be grateful. Forever in our hearts. Well done good and faithful servant??

-- Kim, Texas

John McCain was a hero from the Vietnam war and I admired him.

-- LaVonne, South Dakota

Thank you for your service to the United States of America, Senator John McCain! You have been a shining example to all of a hero, of a public servant, of a humanitarian, of a world leader! You were willing to fight for your country & die for it if needed. You never gave up. You endured torture that would have broken many. Your bravery is that of a super hero! You lived your life with dignity & have earned my respect as well as many throughout the USA & around the world! God bless you & your family! May you rest in peace, dear sir! You deserve it!

-- Wanda, Ohio

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

You will be missed. Thank you for your leadership

-- Tom, Wisconsin

Class act. He was the Maverick. Kennedy the Lion. They will once again be a formidable team.

-- Sabrina, Missouri

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

Trusted Statesman. Thank you for your dedication and your service. Barbra a democrat

-- Barbra, Illinois

A few years ago, I wrote Senator John McCain a letter. In the letter, I wrote to him about a charity that he was working on to help the disenfranchised and poor here in America. I wanted to know, from him, why we did not hear more about wonderful things like about his work in the news. I also wrote in the letter that I am a Democrat. Therefore, I did not expect to hear back from him. But, I did. He sent a most wonderful warm response and signed it in ink (smile). I am a US Veteran. Senator McCain's service is and always be unmatched. When we lost him, the sorrow is as great as the day we lost John F. Kennedy. Our Nation's Hero set the highest example that MOST will never achieve. But, at least we can honor him and keep trying!

-- Stan-Joseph, Georgia

My Naturalized French-American wife and I attended the first Congressional Dinner in Washington D.C. given for President Bush after his election. Even though John McCain had lost the nomination to President Bush, he was there that night to honor the president. He was standing alone and my wife discovered him and had the most delightful conversation with him about the presidency. He did not try to shorten the visit with her, nor fail to understand every word she spoke with him. He was most gracious and at the end had her pose for a picture with him. This did more for my wife then all the citizenship course on America could ever have done. Thank you John for this. All the angels in heaven will note this when you arrive there!

-- Rob (for Honey), Arizona

I remember when the Great John McCain defended the name of Barack Obama when a lady tried to say he was a Muslim. He stood up for Obama at a time when so many others are trying to divide the nation. He was a politician that really brought Americans together.

-- Dominic, Georgia

A TRUE AMERICAN HERO AND A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT MAY HIS MEMORY BE A BLESSING B'SHALOM

-- RICHARD, Massachusetts

My deepest condolences. Thank you for being a great senator. I’m a democratic and I have the highest respect for you.

-- Maria, California

I got to meet Senator McCain when I was a young Congressional Staffer in Washington D.C. in 1990. Way back then there was only one Washington D.C. luminary I wanted to meet, it was Sen. John McCain. Try as I might, I could never track him down. Then 3 days before I left Washington, as I was standing at street corner waiting fr the "walk" sign I heard that "voice" and looked to my right and my wish was granted. I said Hello Sen. McCain, I'm from Yuma, and he said well its very nice to see you & inquired about my family and wished me success on my future. Sen. McCain was CLASS and defined SERVICE. He should have been President and showed us what dignity truly is. All my prayers to his family.

-- RODNEY, Arizona

Honorably served and will be missed!!

-- Beverly, Arizona

This great man lead our Nation and will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time. Goodbye Patriot.

-- Dan, Oregon

Our country and the whole world have lost an awesome compassionate man. He was wise most of the desicion he took while voting on any bill it was always what is good for the USA and not what was good for the country. Senators like him are very few. God has gained a loving car in Angel. Rest in peace maverick.

-- Elie, Arizona

During his internment as a POW I proudly wore my copper Bracelet & prayed for John McCain. I still have my cherished bracelet and a Thank You letter sent to me in response to a "Welcome Home" message I wrote to him when he returned to the USA. I admired this brave man as did so many others. Aloha to Senator John McCain's Family .

-- Shirlee, Hawaii

thank you

-- michael, Georgia

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Sen McCain was one of those rare individuals who possessed both courage and honor. Rare qualities on their own but even more extraordinary when combined. All of our lives have been enriched by his service. My father was seriously hurt in Korea. losing his right leg, right hand and the sight in both eyes. But he married a beautiful woman, raised four children and ran his own business for 20 years. I always looked up to and was inspired by my father for overcoming his disabilities. I looked up to Sen McCain in the same way.I Have been a life long democrat, but if I lived in Arizona I would have returned John McCain to the Senate over and over again. John McCain was a true American Hero. Thank you for your service doesn't begin to express the gratitude he deserves.

-- Timothy, New York

True American Hero...May his soul Rest In Peace in God’s perpetual light

-- Dave, New York

I am so saddened to learn of Senator McCain's passing. He is the epitome of patriotism, leadership, a true man of substance, character, morality, compassion and love. He served the United States and her people selflessly - always putting the welfare of others first. There is no one like him in that he was an exceptional man and will live forever as an example of what we should all aspire to be. He continues to serve in spirit and legacy as an inspiration and as the gold standard and essence of true American patriotism. This country was made better because of John McCain. If we could all be more like him just think how much better the world would be. Thank you John McCain for sharing yourself with us - we love you and will forever carry you in our hearts. You are forever our hero!

-- Amy, Oklahoma

My heart goes out to the family thanks for your service senator McCain our thoughts and prayers gone but never forgotten Rest In Peace.

-- Franklyn, Arizona

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

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.