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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.

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

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

I feel very fortunate that I was able to shake this true American's hand a few years ago! What a truly great man of great character and strength.

-- Josephine, California

I have admired John McCain for years I remember when he was a POW and how courageous he was during this time. Our country needs more people like with who serve our country. His honesty and fairness needs to be more prevalent. May he Rest In Peace and be remember for the hero he was to our country.

-- Elaine, Pennsylvania

People like John McCain are what truly make America great!

-- Kippi, Tennessee

I worked on his campaign as a grad student at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. I loved his laugh! Even if he was not pleased, when he laughed it made everything okay. My heart is with Senator McCain's family at this time of their loss. May he Rest in Peace.

-- Lara, Washington, D.C.

Honored to have voted for the Senator in 2000 Republican Presidental primary as well 2008 General election! One of the few votes in my lifetime that I am proud of. The country will be so much worse of without the unifying spirit of the late Senator. God bless his spirit and memory! My deepest condolences to the McCain family!

-- Dzafer, Illinois

John McCain: An Honest, Loving, and Honorable Man. He was A Man of Strength, Integrity, Bravery and Faith. He had a wonderful sense of Humor and they say, "he had a bit of a temper"! Bless You John, You will be incredibly missed by Your Family and Friends. Your "Foes" won't know where to find a "Fair Honest Fight"!! A Life Fully and Well Lived...Rest now....C. Sue Collins

-- Connie, California

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

-- Connie, Arizona

I'll always remember a great line you gave "The most dangerous place in DC is between Chuck Schumer and a TV Camera". Bless you and your family and thank you.

-- John, California

God blessed us by sharing this Great Honorable man with us We are so much better for it .Deepest condolences to his family .His memory will Iive on.

-- Wayne, New York

Many of our nations problems would be solved if everyone in Washington had the integrity of Senator John McCain. - Not a Republican.

-- Brad, Maine

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

-- Dean, Colorado

John Thank You for your service to this country as nothing can ever come close to the accomplishments you have made not only in uniform but out as well. You are a national treasure and will not be forgotten.

-- Robert, Arizona

rest in peace faithful servant. so grateful for you service.

-- Peter, Arizona

A true American Hero He will be missed.

-- Jerome Denise, Arizona

Senator McCain made AZ proud time and time again. We love you!

-- Roxanne, Arizona

John McCain met my dad, sister, and niece on the Campaign trail. My dad had cancer. He invited them on his bus. My dad brought along a photo album of me and my tour in Iraq where I was serving. He took the time to look at every picture and told my dad the places he visited (he had come to Iraq to visit us troops). His visit with my dad was one of the best moments in my dad's life. I wrote John McCain from Iraq thanking him for visiting the troops. My dad gave him my letter and he wrote me back personally. I will cherish his letter and the impact he had on my family. Thank you for your service Mr. McCain. I salute you. God Bless you and your family.

-- Gale, Florida

God speed Senator McCain. America has lost a great man.

-- Jean, Arizona

I have always followed late Sen. John McCain on his performance on the floor of the senate. Will personally miss him. R.I.P

-- Ikerave, Nigeria

I had the distinct privilege to serve as a delegate for John in both the 2000 and 2008 Republican National Convention from Massachusetts. I have such admiration and respect for this man. My great sympathies to his family.

-- Madeleine, Massachusetts

Senator McCain never lost his sense of humor, even when things weren't going well. In the summer of 2007, with his presidential campaign flat broke and in shambles, he came to Des Moines to try to stem volunteer defections to other campaigns. I was one of those volunteers. During a quiet moment, I was talking to my nephew Scott on my cell phone and on a whim, asked the Senator if he'd like to speak to an undecided Iowa voter. With a look of glee on his face, McCain said "Give me your phone. What's his name?" I told him, he grabbed my phone and without missing a beat, said "Scott, this is John McCain. Vote for me, or tomorrow morning you're going to find your car up on cement blocks!" What a great and good-natured man. I will miss him.

-- Jim, Iowa

My deepest condolences to the family. I respected his work as a senator. Arizona has lost a great of the greatest! Rest In Peace, senator John Sydney McCain III.

-- EDWIN, Connecticut

I campaigned for Senator McCain when he ran for President. I hold him in the highest esteem and pray for his family.

-- Bettie, Texas

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

So very proud to have had Senator McCain representing Az. He is truly a great hero. We will miss his leadership.

-- Angela, Arizona

I met Sen. McCain in 1997 during my tenure as Chairman of the RNHA. It was a priviledge to count on him and his staff to engage in different issues related to our Hispanic community for four years. He never said no, his doors were always open and was always ready to step forward. Later, in 2008, I had the honor to be his Delegate at the National Convention held in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Always an Officer and a Gentleman! He will be missed. RIP Captain John McCain, USN (Ret)

-- Jose, Virginia

I have been so inspired by John McCain. I wish he had become our president. God bless him and his family.

-- Kim, Virginia

Rest in peace - American hero! John McCain is the conscience of our country! An example of what an American must be like!

-- Maya, Washington, D.C.

I considered him a wonderful honest politician. A man of the people.

-- Ruth Lee, New York

A true patriot and hero. Few today can understand the courage he had and the service he gave to his country. BRAVO ZULU, John from a fellow USNA grad.

-- Charles, Washington

Senator McCain and the Institute's focus on character driven leadership sets it apart from other organizations. My experience with the Next Generation Leader's program provided me with the insights and skills to make an enduring and positive impact in Canada. This foundational year provides emerging leaders with an unprecedented opportunity to refine their own leadership values and the opportunity to develop an action plan to make a positive impact in their field of choice.

-- Michael, Canada

I always admired his clear stands and his military career. The US lost one of their moral leaders in a time of uncertainness. Rest in peace Salute

-- Alexander, Germany

John, was a hero, gracious, and authentic. It was a pleasure working on his campaign for President, and knowing that he had a sense of right and wrong, and looked at inclusion of all classes of persons foremost. God bless, and condolences on your loss and the loss to this Nation. Sincerely,

-- Steve, Michigan

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

Great Leader,our country will surely miss his leadership.Condolenses to his family.

-- Johnsie, North Carolina

John McCain for me was a man who I greatly respected. He fought for what he believed was right regardless of "how the party" felt about the issue. Integrity ran through and through John. His response to the lady at a political event "defending Obama" truly showed a man of grear integrity. I am proud to say that I had an opportunity to vote many times for John McCain. He will be missed by our country and the world. I thank the McCain family for sharing him with us.

-- Rev. Louie, Arizona

John McCain represented the best of our country. He served his God, his country and his family in true style. He believed in discussing our differences and reaching a compromise position. The D's and Rs need to follow this philosophy . Unity should be our goal.

-- Linda, New Jersey

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 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

I saw John McCain, during the time he was a POW, he protected other POW from being tortured. He told me that a Vietnam, soldier came to his cell and ask him if it is true that US Carriers have a swimming pool? To prevent any harm or torture to the prisoner that said this, he answered; " Yes; some have 2 pools".

-- Alfredo, Florida

I campaigned for John McCain in two presidential elections, at his offices in Phoenix,making phone calls and addressing mail. also I worked at a Scottsdale campaign head quarters . I so wanted Him to become president. I will always honor his memory. As a Scottsdale resident of over 37 years ...Rest in Peace JOHN MCCAIN

-- Joyce, Arizona

As I sit and listen to the life of Senator John McCain, I knew about his time as captured solider, his friendship with Senator Edward Kennedy. So much can be said about his work as Senator to our nation.I respected him because he put country before party. He ran for President twice and both the men that he ran against both President's Bush and Obama will speak at his funeral service. So to honor his life we all should try to bring back kindness in our lives. To speak the truth, own to our errors and poor judgement. Stop with calling the truth lies, to stop name calling,to respect the press. Not saying this is fake etc. Will everything be perfect in our country no. But take this time to reflect on TRUE patriots of America. That was Senator John McCain. My prayers to his family and Friends

-- tracey, Pennsylvania

A great role model who stayed true to his convictions despite enormous pressure from his own party. He will be missed.

-- Bill, Massachusetts

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

-- Gregory, Michigan

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

-- John, California

As a moderately liberal Democrat I had never contributed to a Republican candidate. But as a Vietnam Veteran (river patrol forces 1966-1968 and 1969-1970) I had to pay attention to the statements and positions of John Mc Cain. And no matter where one stood on the political spectrum, it was clear that Senator McCain was a principled, insiteful, and patriotic leader. So I contributed what I could. And I wish it had been more and could have had more of an effect. I know I will miss him and believe our country will also miss his voice of patriotism. My condolences to his family and our nation.

-- Don, Kentucky

#IncredibleStrength - at a Public Town Hall John stood there and listened to every word without interrupting as a "disgruntled" Veteran read "a prepared speech", many pages long, time consuming, his raised voice and anger self-evident, criticizing John's Senate Record - then calmly, after asking the Veteran if he was finished, John added "if you can do better, run for the Senate".

-- Lance, Arizona

We love you John.

-- Jerry, Michigan

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

-- Sabrina, Missouri

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.