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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.

Senator John McCain was a compassionate man and took a stand against torture. I am thankful for all he had done for the world.

-- John, South Dakota

We can't say "Thank You " enough to Senator McCain to served our both country (South VietNam and US) He's our hero forever. And also Thanks Cindy and family.

-- Danny, Maryland

In January of 2003 a friend and I were traveling to Vietnam. Upon arriving in Saigon we visited the former Presidential Palace, now a museum to the “American War.” Photos of John Mcaain’s capture were throughout, celebrating it. As we came up to main floor we were stunned to see Senator McCain, his wife and youngest daughter. My friend and I approached and told him how much we admired him and he and Cindy were so very kind. We gushed to our guide that this man could be President, that he was such an important American. But what really sticks with me was the grace of this man who was held prisoner in this country, tortured, his treatment celebrated in this very museum and yet, he was cordial and kind to his hosts. What grace and forgiveness far beyond the ability of most people. He was a truly great man.

-- Cathryn, Illinois

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

-- mike, Washington

This country has lost a guiding light. I’m saddened for his loss and my prayers are with the family. I know that he is looking down on heaven watching over us. My wish is his passing will inspire others in Congress to take up his cause.

-- Al, Pennsylvania

Godspeed Senator McCain.

-- Stanley, Maryland

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

-- Kimberly, Louisiana

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

I was honored to shake Senator McCain's hand when I worked at Raytheon. He smiled a big smile at me, and held out his hand. I will never forget that moment.

-- Helen, Arizona

Thank you John McCain for everything you have done for our country. Hero’s never die only retired.

-- Edwin, California

An Honorable man, an American Patriot devoted to what is right for America. You will be missed.

-- Nancy Morton, North Carolina

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

he was a great senator from the state of Arizona. Anthony , Greenville

-- Anthony, North Carolina

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 thank you for your service. You are loved and cherished by the country you loved and served so bravely. I will miss you.

-- Emmy, Florida

Senator John McCain admirably employed his abilities improving the state of Arizona and his country USA.

-- Mildred, New York

While I have never met John in person, I have followed his career with great admiration for his honesty and patriotic stance along with his strong support for our military. When we heard of his diagnosis of Glioblastoma it hit home hard as our adult son Douglas Fadely, was diagnosed with the same brain tumor in July of 2016. Doug is still doing well after surgery in July, 2016 and further treatments but it is like a time bomb. Our hearts go out to John's family and we know the suffering is over for John and he is living now in a pain free kingdom. We have lost a great man and we loved him dearly from afar.

-- Jan, 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 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

Senator John McCain is the kind of hero we so needed in today’s political climate. His sense of duty and honor should be the model of today’s youth. My sincere gratitude to his service to our country. He is the model that our young people should strike for nowadays. My sincere condolences to Senator ‘s family.

-- Florence, California

John McCain was a mentor to all of us. I extend my deepest sympathy to his Family.

-- Deena, Massachusetts

John once said that his life was changed when he realized that he had been put on this earth for something more than his own amusement. I read these words and they transformed my attitude about my purpose on earth. I am most grateful to him for helping me see this.

-- John, Florida

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

Rest In Peace, Senator John!

-- Tran, Vietnam

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

-- Kevin, Virginia

A honest man, a fair human, thank you.

-- Uwe, Germany

I did not have the honor to know the senator personally . But I know his actions matched his life. He demonstrated what America is when it's operating at its it's best. COURAGE INTEGRITY AND COMPASSION. A TRUE AMERICAN HERO. WELL DONE MY FAITHFUL SERVANT ENTER N REST IN GODS HOUSE. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.

-- M, Alaska

I met Senator McCain when he was on the campaign trail in NH. I attended his town hall meeting in Wolfeboro, NH. I asked him if he would wear my son’s memorial bracelet. I know he has worn it since that day. This country has lost a true hero and patriot. I am proud to call him a friend! He will be sadly missed.

-- Lynn, Kentucky

please accept my condolence

-- george, New York

A TRUE AMERICAN HERO AND A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT MAY HIS MEMORY BE A BLESSING B'SHALOM

-- RICHARD, Massachusetts

I remember him as being a truly honorable man whom loved and worked hard at serving and protecting his country. We need more such MEN. My condolences to his family and all whom cared for him.

-- Martha, Washington

I had the honor of being Sen McCain's co chair of his Jewish Advisory Council 08. I am also the McCippah lady. I'm glad I got to know and help him. He will be missed by so many for his honesty and candor. Sleep well Senator!

-- Judy, Pennsylvania

Senator John McCain was truly an American Hero and an inspiration for all regardless of party or political orientation, as he understood the requirements of our form of government and put them into practical use, recognizing that the nation was more important than any party. His passing is a great loss to his family and the nation.

-- Robert, California

Thank you for your service to our country, and for sharing your remarkable life with all Americans. Peace, and safe travels.

-- Greg, Wisconsin

I passed Mr. McCain in a terminal at Reagan National in fall of 2008 before the election. I said “Good Luck!” and he acknowledged with a nod and thumbs up. We appreciate his service. I’m sorry for your loss.

-- Victor, North Carolina

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

Our prayers and thoughts are with the McCain family. He will be truly missed

-- David, California

Always a statesman. You did your country proud.

-- Elissa, North Carolina

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 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

To the McCain family we are sorry for your lost .The Leon Session Family Much Love ????

-- Leon&Verta, Texas

While serving with Pilots in the USAF in 1969, we followed this hero in the Hanoi prison as well as the other prisoners. I had the honor to meet him last year and tell him. I also told him that in 2004 I helped him during a debate at Saddleback Church in Orange County where he and Mr. Obama were interviewed by Pastor Rick Warren. Last year he thanked me. I thank John McCain!

-- Bill, Arizona

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

Dearest McCain Family, I am an officer of South Vietnam and was able to witness Senator McCain’s sacrifice and heroic actions during the war. We are forever indebted to him and his help getting us out of the communist education camp to freedom and took care of our community in Arizona. My thoughts are with your family during this time. Thank you, Tran Bui

-- Tran, Arizona

Have never had the pleasure of meeting him am 80 years old and he is my choice to have dinner with so much respect for him. Would love to thank him for his service to mankind and country

-- Gayle, South Carolina

John was often commenting that we had know each other since the early '80s. We shared some fun experiences at Grand Canyon's El Tovar for lunches and dinners over the years. We rafted the Colorado, hiked the Canyon, and co- chairs of the GCNP Foundation. My favorite memory was introducing him at a Foundation Cookout. I had been a Vietnam helicopter pilot, but never experienced his pain or truma... I introduced him as MY HERO and as the next President of the United States. I am honored to have known him and have wonderful memories.

-- Allen, Arizona

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 remember spending time in Michigan traveling and attending events as we campaigned for his Presidency in Michigan. I found him to be very heartfelt when we spoke one on one. I shall remember him with rsspect forever. Senator McCain has been missed by numerous individuals.

-- Judy Todd, Michigan

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

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

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.