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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.

My deepest sympathy to the family. We have lost a. great hero and statesman.

-- Joseph, Connecticut

Our prayers are with your family

-- thomas, New York

I served a tour of duty in Vietnam between 1968 and 1969 just after Tet. I was also stationed in Panama while Senator McCain' s father was the Base Commander at Amador, Canal Zone so the name and service of the McCain family has always been highly respected for their superb service to our country. Senator McCain will be missed more then we know. My deepest sympathy for his family and may he rest in peace - more then anyone I know, he earned it!

-- Edward, Nevada

Thank you Senator McCain for your service & sacrifice to our country and your undying/unwavering commitment to make our country better for all. God speed and fly high. Gods blessings of peace to his family and friends.

-- Dana, Illinois

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

As a younger man, I attended the Republican National Convention where John McCain told the story of his comrade in captivity making the American flag. “A little scrap of red. A little scrap of blue.” I cannot retell that story today to my sons without crying. Thanks be to God for the life and service of John McCain.

-- Fred, South Carolina

Thank you senator John McCain you are the greatest..# highly respected #Loved forever #RIP

-- Kimberly, Louisiana

While in college at the University of Arizona, I worked on Senator McCain's first bid for the senate. I always admired Senator McCain's service to our country, his honesty and tenacity. May he Rest In Peace.

-- Janet, Wyoming

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

-- Johnsie, North Carolina

John McCain was a true American hero. Probably the most significant hero of my lifetime.

-- Rick, California

I had the proud preivlege of meet Sentor McCain during a campaign rally stop in Wisconsin during his second campaign bid. His way of politics and reaching across the aisle in Congress will be missed. The maverick will be missed. I wish his soul rest and hold his family up in my prayers during this difficult time.

-- Martin, Wisconsin

My condolences to his family and friends, he stood for his beliefs and this country and thats why I voted for him when he ran for President

-- Dennis, Ohio

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

Thank you for your sacrifice and service. You endured more than we could ever know. I appreciated your honesty and truth....even though I may not have always agreed. I supported and voted for you in 2008 because of you love of country and honesty. Rest in peace sir! Prayers for the entire McCain family as you grieve the loss of this great man. May God and Americans wrap you in hugs and prayers. May God Bless America!

-- Chris, Ohio

John McCain was my hero and role model, I served 9 1/2 years in the Submarine Force and 22 yrs. in the Texas Legislature... I modeled my legislative career after him including my engagements with the press.. I was a better officer and legislator because of John McCain. Rest In Peace Steve Ogden ‘73 Non Sibi

-- Steve, Texas

Well, I didn't know Senator McCain personally, but when I heard about his cancer diagnosis, I started to pray and didn't stop. You, see I lost my mother Hallie Lousie Williams, last year 7/17/2017 to the same type of cancer. I was hoping the Maverick had one last trick up his sleeve. He will be missed!

-- Angela, Illinois

We were very fortunate to be the beneficiaries of John McCain's courage, patriotism, and principled politics. May God bless John McCain and his family.

-- Robert, Maryland

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

-- Richard, Indiana

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

Knowing his character we voted for him in the primary against GW Bush and for him and Sarah Palin in 2008. What a man! Blessings on the Mc Cain family.

-- Donald and Marilyn, Ohio

We enjoyed his humor in Politics

-- Gary, Texas

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

On behalf of my family I would like to extend our deepest sympathies on the death of Senator John McCain. Without the courageous Americans like Senator John McCain our nation would not stand so bravely, gleam so brilliantly and live so freely. I wish to quote Light Horse Harry Lee’s, George Washington eulogy but today it could be written for the patriot, hero and a lifetime public servant, Senator John McCain, "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."

-- Erick, California

No words will be able express my gratitude. Strength and Courage. United we Stand. "Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all! By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall"-John Dickinson Thank You John McCain. Thank You God.

-- Kim, California

I JUST WANTED TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO THE McCAIN FAMILY.ALTHOUGH AS A REGISTERED DEMOCRAT I DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM[MY MISTAKE}I FOLLOWED AND RESPECTED THIS TRULY WONDERFUL MAN AND GREAT PATRIOT.HE WILL BE MISSED MY ALL PEOPLE OF THE WORLD AND MOST OF ALL BY ALL AMERICANS.I HOPE YOU FIND PEACE KNOWING HE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT AND IS AT PEACE WITH GOD.MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND HELP YOU THRU THIS VERY SAD TIME.P.S THANK YOU FOR SHARING JOHN WITH US.GOD BLESS

-- THOMAS, New York

I remember seeing Senator McCain during the 2008 campaign defend President Obama from the accusation that he was an Arab. He said the President was an American citizen. I also remember seeing the dramatic vote on the Senate floor when John cast the deciding vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act. I saw him many times on television and he was straightforward and direct in many of his answers to questions whether they were good or bad ones. He will be deeply missed in the US Senate at a time when it could use the voice of a man with the courage of his convictions.

-- Christopher, Maryland

I wish all American would read this hero store. We must all come together in America and be more like him! I will work harder in my live. God Bless Mr.McCain and His Family

-- Mark, Louisiana

I humbly come before you God, asking that you bless and comfort his family and his extended family in the United States Senate as well as his beloved Navy. Welcome this patriot into the Gates of Heaven; and give him a hero's homecoming and may both Admiral McCain Sr. and McCain Jr. be present along with every military member who has passed before him rendering the much deserved hand salute. And with the final words O' Lord, say the honorable words, "Welcome home thy good and faithful servant, welcome home". Senator McCain sir, You have fought the good fight, and you have claimed your mountain in the United States Senate and in the State of Arizona. Rest easy sir. We'll take the watch from here. #HandSalute

-- Nolan, Texas

To The McCain Family: I never met the Senator,but I appreciate his service to our nation.May God's peace and comfort be yours at this time.I am praying for you.

-- Jeff, New Jersey

He was an amazing man and a true American...God Bless Him and his Family

-- MaryEllen and Frank, Florida

To the McCain family; My families deepest respect to the TRUE PATRIOT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. History speaks for itself, and John McCain stands alone in his accomplishments. He would have made a historic president, but still took care of business for the common people. We are truly proud of the service your family committed to our country. THANK YOU

-- Doug, California

From one sailor to another. Fair winds and calm seas. I may not have always agreed with you but I have always respected you.

-- MARK, Arizona

Dear McCain Family, I had the honor of meeting Senator McCain in Houston, TX. He was a very gracious man. We lost an icon in American politics. He was honorable, honest, and a hero. He was not afraid to speak his mind. He helped people in the United States and around the world. He will be remembered forever. Please accept my deepest condolences.

-- Imtihan, Texas

I admired him for his service in uniform to our Country, his service in the Congress and Senate, his strength as a Politician and his example as a family man. He was valiant to the end and I will always remember his legacy and pray that those who feel disdain towards him and call him a RINO finally look at the truth and honor the man, husband, father, Sailor, leader, lawmaker that he was. RIP John McCain.

-- Joan, Virginia

thank you, Sir. and thank you, Cindy and family, for so generously sharing your husband/father/grandfather with us. it's been a trying journey, and your strength and faith inspire us, too. much love, and the peace of the Lord be with you at this time, and always.

-- Marie-Elizabeth, Arizona

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

-- Lorenzo, Arizona

and this the power family I m send though my senator McCain touched the lives of people everywhere he traveled 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 johns 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 johns life by continuing his legacy of service and leaving this world a better place for generations to come the McCain family

-- ashley, Florida

A True Hero.

-- Dolores, Arizona

A hero I wish he was from my state God bless his soul Missing You senator McCain

-- Ali, California

Thank you John McCain. You deeply impressed me. My heart is with your family. You truly left an impact and hopefully your legacy will make a difference. You gave us hope in Europe.

-- Sabine, Germany

As a former Scoutmaster, SenMccain would den alter tI My new Eagle Scouts. It inlckude. a letter about making a flag out of scraps while he was a prisoner. My son still has his letter and he is 48 now. He never failed to make this Scout feel good.

-- John, Arizona

You were a great man of God May you RIP.

-- Harry, Virginia

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

-- John, California

My husband, a retired Vet, died of Alzheimer's in 2016. But when he was still clear of mind and could speak, he would constantly speak about Senator McCain and his strength, honesty and gentle personality. He didn't know the Senator personally. But it was a great comfort to him that Senator McCain "was there to help us all". Comfort to all of the McCain Family. He can now rest among the heroes.

-- Marie A., Virginia

Man and public servant of great convictions beyond party lines, where only his conscience and the welfare of the American people had space. He fulfilled his mission as he did so many other times, now that The Great Architect of the Universe welcomes him into his kingdom.

-- Francisco, 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 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

Forever my hero!

-- Bengi Poston, Texas

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

-- Ruth Lee, New York

I think of John McCain as a comrade who served this great Nation with love of service to country, family, self, and humanity. God Bless his Spirit and God Bless America.

-- Paul, California

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.