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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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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.

-- Victor, Arizona

My name is Mina Castilho, I admire and loved Senator McCain. What a great loss for the whole world. Thank you Senator McCain for dedicating 60 years of your life to serve this wonderful and great Country. I am sending love and blessings to His family. May our God hold all of you in His loving arms. I will miss your sense of humor your service and fight to make this a better place. R.I.P Sir!!!

-- Mina, California

I am not a Republican by any means, however I respect John McCain for who he is and what he represents even today after his death. History will judge him as a Hero. He is a true Hero and a man of honor regardless what president Trump and other critics thinks or said about him. May God bless his soul and his family. McCain will be missed for ever. We need a man or woman like McCain today who would stand for what is right regardless of politics. Rest in peace McCain! the Lord has a special place for you in heaven.

-- Fenel, Arizona

I have always admired his courage. I enjoyed listening to him speak and reading his life story. I love how he addressed the American people “My Friend(s)”. I can still hear his voice in my head, “county first”. I am an immigrant and I know America is exceptional because of people like John McCain.

-- Sueet, Maryland

John McCain and his family are in my prayers

-- Rebecca, Louisiana

Senator McCain was one of a kind, a true American hero. He was courageous, and honorable. He served his country and Arizona with greatness. I was so proud that he was our Senator. May you rest in peace and God bless you.

-- Pam, Arizona

My memory of John McCain will always be the class and dignity with which he conducted himself during and after the 2008 Presidential Campaign. There is no greater example of his extraordinary character.

-- Michael, Massachusetts

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

Senator John S. McCain: Thank you so much for your service to our Country. Your memory, and all you have done in your life will be in my heart and mind forever. You were a great man and will be an inspiration for others.

-- David, New York

I never met him, but growing up I knew of his heroism and his life experience will be repeated to those who follow. May he Rest In Peace with God.

-- Charles, Maryland

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

-- mike, Washington

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Jack and John slept head to head in prison at one time. Jack said John was always a man of honor. Thanks for what you did for the Islanders (1987) when you came out to Guam while we were there serving for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. Best Regards. Love Connie Rollins S

-- Connie, California

Remembering a very, very good man. What a great example John McCain left for us to follow. Farewell brave hero. Sleep well.

-- Audrey, New Jersey

I wanted to share an impressionable moment I experienced as a Legislative Assistant for the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) and meeting the late Senator. The year was 1990 and I was a 21 year old working for the legendary Judy Park who had worked w/ Senator McCain to defeat the Medicare Catastrophic Prevention Act. Judy invited me to a lunch honoring Senator McCain along with maybe a dozen people and she said to me, "Senator McCain was a true friend to federal retirees. This is an experience you will never forget." And she was right. He will be sorely sorely missed.

-- Lisa, Illinois

My Deepest Sympathy to the family..He was truly a protector of our Freedom..He is now a Heavenly Angel ..

-- RoseAnn, Pennsylvania

We‘ll never forget him as a fighter for freedom and democracy! Trump would like to win a war (we hope there will be no war). The free world won the most important war against aggressive cominism as to the strength primarily of USA. Senator John McCain always was a supporter of the transatlantic friend- and partnership. He was himself a very strong soldier and was almost tortured to death in his fight for freedom and justice! We cannot say thankyou enough and will never forget him. All the best wherever you are ( to be sure a good place) Mr. Senator McCain !!!

-- Klaus from Germany, Germany

My deepest condolences to your family. He was a True Hero. Rest In Peace.

-- Patrice, New Hampshire

God Blessed this nation with the gift of John McCain. He will be missed. Lets carry on with his honor.

-- Connie, Ohio

Senator McCain is a true American hero. Inspirational and a fresh breath of air in a polluted political circle. May God welcome home his child. Que Dios lo bendiga!

-- Jorge, New York

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

-- Jan, Oregon

My love and prayers go to the family of this fine man. When he first started in politics both my daughter and myself worked in his office and worked for him. We also worked for Jon Kyl and Barry Goldwater. Prayer and hope that his replacement will be of a very high caliber, like Jon Kyle. I hope young people will read of his devotion and learn what keeps America the land of the free!

-- Billie, Oregon

Always a statesman. You did your country proud.

-- Elissa, North Carolina

A true American Hero He will be missed.

-- Jerome Denise, Arizona

During 2000 primary, Sen. McCain gave a speech in Springfield NJ. I was police detective on security detail. He took time after speech to hang out with the cops and autographed his Faith of Our Fathers book for us. Real nice down to earth guy. A real American. Rest in Peace.

-- Judd, New Jersey

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

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

-- Arun, Florida

Senator John McCain was an American patriot who served his country with distinction and became a hero to many, including myself, through his selfless actions, placing his country above his personal ambitions . I was proud to have purchased his signed memoir in 2008 and I will treasure it to my dying days and pass it on to future generations. My deep condolences go his family and godspeed John in your new journey.

-- Luis, California

We love you John.

-- Jerry, Michigan

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

-- Saat, Florida

I have followed John McCain's career since I was 16 years old from the late '70's. I recognized his devotion to his fellow countrymen and personal honor. He will always be an inspiration to me and an example of a great American. May your soul be at rest.

-- Scott, California

I was lucky enough to meet him briefly on a political science field-trip to Washington D.C. He was friendly and not what I would have pictured as a political figure which seemed at odd with the busy political culture and life in the capitol. It was great to see someone so down-to-earth and not too busy to say hello and greet some college students from Bellevue, Washington.

-- Barbara, Washington

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

God bless the McCain family and surround each of you with peace.

-- Theresa, Michigan

John McCain, had he been elected President of the United States, would have not only been a very great president, he would have been able to unite the country, in spite of a hostel main stream media. There was something truly unique in John’s ability to bring any group into dialogue which ultimately benefited the whole. I’m very sad we’ve lost a leader irreplaceable in the younger generations.

-- Beth (Dorithy Elizabeth), Hawaii

It's with the deepest heart felt sympathy I send this note. I am so sorry to hearing this. I know you must be with the knowledge that our Good Lord is watching over our Senator now. We pray for you the family at this time. God Bless you all.

-- Victor, Arizona

as a wife of a Marine jet pilot serving his tour in Vietnam , I was so afraid my husband could be shot down and taken as POW. We have a bracelet to this day framed on the wall in our company of a RIO of his f-4 phantom still listed as missing after all these years. after 121 missions Richard did come home but lost about 1/3 of his squadron. We saw Orson Swindle come off the plane in 73' whom rich had met in the Philippines on R&R and a fellow POW of Sen McCain and have followed Sen McCain's career. We send our sincere regards to the family and this time of our lives during the war will never be forgotten and those that served. jan & Rich Buckley

-- janet, California

Thanks You John for your service. Rest assured you will be missed. My condolences to your family.

-- Jeff, Missouri

So sorry for the loss to your family and our nation. Senator McCain was a true statesman.

-- carol, New Jersey

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

A TRUE hero, may he Rest In Peace.

-- Thomas, Virginia

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

I voted for John McCain. He would have been a great president! However, he was a great senator and patriot!

-- Dean, Colorado

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

I met the senator once in New jersey during a campaign event during his presidential bid. I had his photograph in my office since that day. John represented what is best about this nation. We shared a few things; we were both born in Panama ,both loved flying and we fought for Israel and the USA. He was a brave, honest and kind human being. I am priviliged to have know him. This country would have been much different if John had become president. Rest in peace

-- Dr. Ruben, New Jersey

My memory of John is through my parents whom he helped many years ago with my father's case of Black Lung Disease and getting an appropriate settlement. Also, my father was in John's office in AZ when he asked my father "what do you think about my running for Barry's seat?" and my father pulled out his checkbook and said here's your 1st Senate campaign check.

-- Wayne, New Jersey

I only knew Senator McCain from TV. I saw in Him a strong virtuous man. I am not religious, but I wish my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. I doubt He will EVER be forgot. Least of all by me. Love John T.

-- John, Nebraska

I admired him very much as did my late husband. We were proud to support his candidacy for the Presidency. He was a great man on many levels and will be missed.

-- Sarah, Wisconsin

Honorably served and will be missed!!

-- Beverly, Arizona

Our deepest condolences. Senator McCain was a true American Hero, a maverick and not just an individual that cared deeply for his friends, family and loved ones but a Senator who fought for the people and cared deeply for every American. Rest In Peace Senator, your work is done Respectfully John Connors

-- John, New Hampshire

I voted for him for President. I guess I was always going to , but after Sarah Palin said "he is the only candidate running who has ever truly fought for you" it sealed the deal. Sincerest condolences to your family ...losing a husband and a father is one of life's biggest body blows...so sorry for your loss.

-- Ginny, New York

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.