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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.

A true American. Your character will be missed. Thank you for your service to our Nation.

-- John, Hawaii

We remember him,he was a great hero

-- Ramon, Florida

Thank You John for setting the example for our future generations to follow, that Country over Politics is Honorable. That owning your shortfalls and striving to do better is not a weakness, but a strength. Most importantly is the fact that you demonstrated what is meant by Duty, Honor, and Country. Thank You Sir...

-- Gerald, Michigan

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

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

John was a great Hero to me. He would have been a great President! I will Forever remember his stewardship, grit, strength and courage! My life is so much stronger because of his Memories! Amen John you served America and the World well! God Speed! Sincerely Michael Charles Jensen of Long Beach CA

-- Mike, California

I met the Senator at a state Republican meeting when I was a precinct committeeman. He shook my hand warmly and thanked me for what I did. No, thank you, Senator McCain! You are a true American hero! God bless!

-- Mary, Arizona

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

-- JOLEEN, Massachusetts

I am saddened to hear of Sen McCain's passing. He was truly one of the Last Lions in Politics. We will miss him greatly. Soar with The Eagles, Senator!

-- Leslie, Canada

Senator McCain was a great man, and a hero. He will be so missed but always remembered. Rest In Peace, John.

-- Frederick, Maryland

John McCain was a true American hero. He truly represented loyalty to the laws of the US. He will be sorely missed especially in today's political climate where independent thinking is crucial to our democracy.

-- Dale, Arizona

I never met Senator McCain personally, but worked diligently on his Presidential Campaign in GA. I wish he had been our President over those eight years, but it was not to be. My husband is a former Marine, so I greatly appreciate the sacrifices our military give for our country. I greatly appreciate and am thankful for John McCain and his great service to our country. may he Rest in Peace. May God be with you, his family and give you comfort and peace. Fair winds and following seas.

-- Carolyn, Georgia

I just wish we had 2008 to do over again!!! John McCain was a great man. I voted was for him in both 2000 and 2008.

-- Joseph, Illinois

REST IN PEACE PRAYER OF FAMILY

-- JAMES, Arizona

Although my Polítical Ideologies were diferent I always admired the History and nobility that Transpired from Sen. McCain. Someone who clearly had the love for his Country and Fellow Citizens needed by any Leader. His Force and his legacy are inspirational to any one in the World! I'll look up for his legacy for years to come. America lost his Last True Hero. May God guards His Soul in Peace.

-- Gonçalo, Portugal

I have respected John McCain from the time of his captivity. I voted for him for President, and consider him the conscience of the Congress. His kind will not be found again in our nation.

-- Joseph Lee, Florida

From on Veteran to another Veteran, My deep condolences to the McCain’s family. My respect and salute to a Veteran.

-- Kevin, Virginia

I first knew John McCain when as a naval officer he was the liason for the Navy to the Senate. I was on the Foreign Relations Committee which often brought us together. He was a young man in his 40's. But he was soon off to run for the House in 1982 and then the Senate in 1986 to replace Barry Goldwater. I was active in his first Senate run, campaigned with him in Arizona and found him support from around the nation which wasn't hard to do. John remembered people who helped him that first time out. I was in his home a number of times and he in mine. In the Senate he was fiercely independent - not so much at the outset but certainly as he gained seniority. His unpredictability often drove our caucus up the wall, but for me he was always a hero who didn't need excuses to follow his own path. Not only was he heroic beyond my comprhension, but he actually forgave those who had tortured and abused him. He was an amazing man. What an example he set. I was proud to be his friend

-- Senator Rudy, Minnesota

John was a man of honor and dignity. He always had time for you. I don’t wish I had told him, I did tell him.

-- USMCGEOFF, Michigan

I remember him in Peterborough N.H. the night before the 2008 election.

-- Stephen, Massachusetts

I didn’t know John McCain but admired him as a true Statesman! I am sorry to say there don’t seem to be many true Statesmen left Who have the courage to put country above party and ego. I hope his legacy and the outpouring of condolences will inspire our current leaders to take the highroad And follow his example.

-- Linda, Florida

Senator McCain fought for his constituency, his party and his country. He was a champion of both great ideas and compromise. The Distinguished Gentlemen from Arizona was kind enough to sign a book as a gift for one of the groomsmen at my wedding. I'll not soon forget him or his legacy. Rest in Peace Sir.

-- Aaron, Arizona

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

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

-- Ruth Lee, New York

God Bless John McCain. He was a true American Patriot and served our country extremely well. May he rest in eternal peace in The House of The Lord.

-- Stephen, New Jersey

My wife once help serve soup in your house for Brophy. The next time we met you and i brought it up. The Senator said you can serve soup any time you want for us. As a defense exec i met him many times and was always remarked about his honesty We will all miss him. By the way my son interned for the senator

-- Jerry, Arizona

Thank you.

-- Victor, Arizona

Senator McCain was a true example of a leader! One that works with even those across the aisle. We need more of these now!

-- Michael, Arkansas

We were Naval Academy classmates. He was my naval and American hero.

-- Thomas, Hawaii

The only thing is to pray for him. May God RIP.

-- mafuli, Florida

Rest In Peace Senator McCain. You inspired every person to reach higher and to be the best version of themselves, as you were, in service to your country and to mankind. Thank you for your service.

-- Sonia Garcia, Virginia

It was my honor to work for the Senator, 18+ years. He always listened to what staff had to say, even if it was a different opinion. I respected and admired him greatly. RIP

-- Deborah, Arizona

As a first generation American, I always admired John McCain's believe in American idealism and his determination and commitment to give all he had to protect her and to preserve and promote liberty and justice for all not only with a fancy speech but with his actions. A great man, a true American hero and someone for next generations to look up to.

-- Cameron, California

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 never had the honor of meeting Senator McCain, but my daughter will know who he was, when she is older. I hope one day she will see in me, what I saw in John McCain, a man of honor and integrity, who had the courage to stand for his beliefs. Someone who did the right thing, because it was the right thing to do, even when it came at great personal sacrifice. He was one of the few people who I wholeheartedly respect and I am eternally grateful for the courage and commitment he showed throughout his life. Fair winds and following seas!

-- Jason, Hawaii

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

-- Sabrina, Missouri

A true hero and patriot. We thank him for his service, love and courage for our Country. He was always there with sincere help when called upon. Our condolences go out to his family during this time. God bless him and may he Rest In Peace with Our Lord.

-- Sandra, Arizona

We mourn the loss of Senator McCain, one of this nation's greatest citizens. A true patriot. May he continue to watch over the Senate and this country. Most sincere condolences to his family and others who loved him and were inspired by him.

-- Evan, Delaware

Senator McCain, with Don Imus, was completely responsible for increasing the life insurance of fallen soldiers. He truely cared about those in the military and was a voice for their welfare. God Bless Senator McCain and thank you for all you have done for the USA.

-- Anne, Michigan

Thank you for being a continual beacon of decency and forthrightness for all Americans. Rest, knowing you will be missed.

-- Nicole, Ohio

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

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

He is a man with dignity and respect. He’s great father, brother, and human person... btw am Arizona resident n I’ll miss him. ??????

-- Maanka, Arizona

My friend simpre always Leo

-- Juan Leo, Maryland

Mr. McCain, you are a respected American hero. R.I.P.

-- Jane, California

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

What a great man you have been! I will miss you.

-- Stephan, Germany

I have never known Mr McCain personally. My experience of who he was came only from news reports over the years. What I want to say is he was a rare human being and a noble soul. We, as a People, had a unique privilege to witness and to learn from him how to conduct our human relations with kindness, forgiveness, and cooperation. He was a true hero. He will be missed.

-- Ewa, Wisconsin

To the family: I am sorry for your loss. I watched Senator McCain on television as he fought for and stood for his beliefs. God be with the family in their time of bereavement.

-- Jacqueline, Virginia

I enjoyed campaiging for John, at his office. He was a wonderful person. The staff was great there was always, an aboundance of food and treats, for the volunteers! You would never go hungry in his office. My deepest sympathy to his whole family.

-- Marie, Arizona

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.