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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.

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

-- Saat, Florida

Great, great man!! He had steel backbone and and was a model of principled leadership. Service to God and country before self. He was from the fabric all leaders should aspire to be made of.

-- MATTHEW, Virginia

I am sad and disappointed that I did not get a chance to meet you in person. It was always a pleasure to listen to what you had to say! A great man and role model for us. Thank you for your service Sir!

-- Patrick, Arizona

I was on the wrestling squad at Episcopal High School with John McCain, and I supported him financially and with a vote in both of his races for President. He was a bona fide American hero whom I admired greatly.

-- Robert, Virginia

A truly world citizen - a hero to the world - rest in peace "sir"with love-respect - peace be with you and your family

-- JOHN, Canada

THE SENATORWAS SPEAKING IN AKRON, OHIO AT THE HILTON HOTEL.WE PASSED EACHOTHER IN THE HALL. I THANKED HIM FOR HIS SUPPORT OF ISRAEL,AND HE SAID"DON'T WORRY".WE SHOOK HANDS.

-- HARVEY, Ohio

John McCain and his family are in my prayers

-- Rebecca, Louisiana

A man who seemed to care. A man with a sense of humor. He had my vote as a person I could ask to be my representative.

-- Scott, Virginia

John was one of the good guys. I'm not American & not a fan of the Republicans. But John was a man to look up to, whatever your politics. You will be missed. RIP

-- John, United Kingdom

82nd Airborne ‘73-‘76. Was Army. Our son is USNA. Absolutely HATE politics as anyone in uniform of that era will tell you. Bet he did too, but still someone has to have the guts to do it. . What a loss to this nation. Most sad half mast I have seen. Salute and Prayers to your family from WWI army, WWII navy, Korea Army, VietNam Army, today USNA. Thank you.

-- Micheal, Tennessee

The nation lost a great man but your family has lost so much more. I sympathize with your sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

-- Nancy, Arizona

I was waiting for a flight at DCA when I looked over and saw Senator McCain. My mom knew him fairly well so she walked me over to meet him. He immediately stood up and took the time to get to know me well. I will never forget his kind words to me as a Page in the Senate. His character and strong demeanor will never be forgotten. It was a pleasure to be in his presence. RIP

-- Max, Virginia

A man to be respected.

-- Wendy, Connecticut

I May be a Democrat, But John McCain may have been a Republican, He Was for All People in this Country. That is what made this man, A Great Human Being. Deepest Sympathy To his Family at this Time. RIP Mr. McCain, and God be with his Family.

-- Robert, Nevada

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, 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

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

-- Angela, Arizona

HERO Above Them All. While he might not have agreed with every person, he respected them all. He saw the best in everyone and spoke the truth as he knew it. God Bless John McCain.

-- Lawrence, Virginia

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

As just an ordinary citizen I wish to thank his wife Cindy for all the support she gave to over the years to this patriotic man and husband . He will not be forgotten and neither will she . So Thank You Cindy and May God Be with as your new challenges come .

-- Connie, Arizona

One of my proudest moments was speaking for him at the Iowa Caucus, and then voting for him, against all odds that fall. I will always believe that the issues we are struggling with today would not have been so extreme or intractable had he won in 2008. I would have followed him into fire if he had asked. He spent 6 years in a box in Asia, for me, my family and this country. Godspeed.

-- Charles, Iowa

One of America’s true heroe’s . He will be truly missed by everyone. May God bless his family & give them comfort with beautiful memories.

-- Pam, Florida

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

-- Barbra, Illinois

I meet him in maybe 2001 in the AZ airport gift shop. I asked for a photo and his daughter Megan took it. We took a few since I am a blinker. Back then a regular camera so had to wait till I was back in Texas to develop. I called my mom from a pay phone to tell her.

-- Shelly, Texas

I served in Vietnam. Your legacy will inspire the young men and women thinking about entering the military and flying aircraft. Your unselfish position, and willing to sacrifice your life on behalf of the soldiers on the ground is appreciated. Your gallantry in action saved many lives, like myself. Mr. McCain, know that we will always love you, respect you and pray for you and your beautiful family!

-- Carlos, Texas

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 never knew John personally but he would be the one to have on your side. I wished that John would have been president back in 2008. He will be missed. My sympathies to the McCain family during this hard time. I lost my father to this evil disease cancer back in 2012 and it is still hard to think it has been that long but the memories keep him alive. To the McCain family you will have a lifelong of memories of John close to your heart.

-- TODD, Minnesota

I met Senator McCain during his 2008 Presidential run, One of the highlights of my life. Unfortunately he lost, but I was struck by his display of character when defending President Obama as a good family man when a constituent expressed that she did not trust him. That’s what I will remember most about him. His character…

-- Robert, New Jersey

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

-- dana, Florida

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

-- HUONG, Virginia

John McCain was a man that I admired greatly. His courage, valor, and willingness to do the right thing no matter the consequences was a great light in my life. His memory will always be a beacon of hope in the world of politics, and his legacy will enrich and be enshrined in the halls of the US Congress. If I pass as a man half as honorable as him, I will rest easy. He served his country honorably. Safe sailing my friend.

-- Jarrod, Florida

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

the senator John Mc Cain will be always on my mind God bless his family

-- christian, Florida

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 understood better than most what it means to be deprived of liberty. That’s why he became a passionate advocate for the liberty of people everywhere. Humans cannot reach their full potential unless they are free. Nor can America be safe in a world where tyranny is on the march. America’s greatest adversaries during his lifetime, from Imperial Japan to Putin’s Russia, emerged from non-democratic systems in which dictators invaded other nations to stay in power at home. The terrorists who attacked America on 9/11 incubated in the democratic deficits of the greater Middle East. Whether in China or Venezuela, military-ruled Burma or Hun Sen’s Cambodia, McCain took it personally when strongmen abused their citizens’ inherent rights – just as he celebrated democratic revolutions in the former Soviet Empire as victories of human dignity. People everywhere saw the best of America in him; he was the best his country had to offer the world. His spirit lives everywhere men and women are free.

-- Dan, Virginia

I have ALWAYS had a deep love and admiration for John McCain. My deepest sympathy and prayers for him and his family.

-- Frank, New York

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

-- Bill, Massachusetts

It was not until after I retired from the Navy in 1976 that I had the opportunity to read about and then follow the career of the man who has become a hero to so many of us. Senator McCain earned the respect of all those who he represented - and he represented us all - here in Arizona and across the country. We have all benefited from having as our American champion, Our Senator, John McCain.

-- Ed, Arizona

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

-- RoseAnn, Pennsylvania

God bless you and your family. Truly a light in a time of darkness. Thank you for being an example of the greatest human qualities. Rest in peace.

-- Karen, California

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

-- Jean, Arizona

Sen. John McCain was a good and decent man. I'll remember him that way and be thankful for his extraordinary service to our country.

-- Carol, Florida

Thanks Sir John McCain, YOU ARE the Great, YOU ARE an Hero, YOU ARE never die, YOU stay in the sun. R.I.P

-- Hong, Arizona

I’m at a loss for words tonight. Both in the midst of war and in the halls of Washington, Senator McCain's dedication to our country never faltered. In this era of talking heads and 24-hour news cycles, John McCain reminded us that we are not defined by our divisions or our disagreements but by our common bond as Americans. We can never replace him but we can honor him by continuing his mission. Thank you, Senator. hashtag#countryfirst

-- Maya, Washington, D.C.

When you build bridges, you get attacked by both sides. Sen. McCain, I hope you left us enough courage to build more.

-- Robert, New York

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family of Senator John McCain. May the comfort of God surround you at this time and in the days ahead. Amen.

-- Edward, Texas

Good bye Mr. McCain: a real American Hero ., SHALOM Aleichem the Star of David protected you in your trip back Home !!!

-- Robert, Indiana

I was one of the special forces that went in to get my brothers,we did not make it.It seames they new we were coming we lost many of our brothers that day John I do it again because of our fath for one another. REST IN PEACE. REST IN PEACE

-- WARREN, Arizona

I voted for John McCain because he was a real life Rambo.

-- JOLEEN, Massachusetts

Death can never take a good man away, for in the hearts of the people he inspired, his legacy remains and continues throughout generations. Sen. John S. McCain will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace. Please accept my humble condolences.

-- Jean Marc, Belgium

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.