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:

Arizona State Capitol

August 29, 2018

Open to the Public
Livestream Online

Arizona Public Procession

August 30, 2018

Arizona State Capitol to
North Phoenix Baptist Church

North Phoenix Baptist Church

August 30, 2018

Limited Public Seating Available
Livestream Online

United States Capitol

August 31, 2018

Open to the Public
Livestream Online

Washington, D.C. Public Procession

September 1, 2018

United States Capitol to
Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Washington National Cathedral

September 1, 2018

Invitation Only
Livestream Online

Click for Media and Press 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.

Country First:

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.

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.

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.

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 salute to a great career and a man of wonderful inner strength who served his county with honor and courage. May he rest in peace and be embraced by the arms of Jesus Christ.

-- Nicholas, Pennsylvania

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

-- Robert, Indiana

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

-- Johnsie, North Carolina

I just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to this wonderful human being. My heart is broken. I was born in Africa and met my Irish American husband in Germany. He was in the military and we got married in Germany and came here. I remember during the election I was standing with my two children when we saw McCain's tour bus passing over I-4. I was jumping up and down when I saw it and started crying. I was feeling so emotional when I saw his tour bus zooming through our state. As much as I love and admire Obama, I was a McCain supporter because of his gentleness and purity. May he rest in peace. I will be praying for his wife Cindy and their family. Men like him are a blessing to all of us.

-- Eve, Florida

I had the honor of meeting Senator McCain and Mrs. McCain at a fundraiser many years ago. He shared a very funny story about how his grey hair made everyone at the kindergarten think that he was a grandfather instead of a father. When we visited his cell in Vietnam, I could not hold back the tears - no doubt the others on our tour could not understand why I was so affected, but I felt that it was more personal since we actually met. Senator McCain was a true hero and his commitment to our country and his service are an inspiration. He leaves behind a truly amazing legacy. Our deepest condolences to the McCain family and particularly to Mrs. McCain.

-- Polina, California

Always a hero. Love and prayers to the family.

-- Linda, Missouri

He was a great man and my hope in this hard time for our country. Will be remembered forever!

-- vladislav, Pennsylvania

I sorry for you lose , I remember when him go to Colombia

-- daniel, North Carolina

You asked to that when you are gone, how would you like to be remembered? You said "That you lived honorably." Sir, you did. Some will call you hero, father, friend, and Senator. I will call you a Sailor. One of "OUR" Navy's best. I can only offer you a thank you. Fair Winds and Following Seas.

-- Naeem, Ohio

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

A great politican and a honest man, A great character is gone- I am very sad. I will miss him.

-- Johannes, Germany

I am deeply saddened with the news of John's passing but know he is with the Lord. God bless John and his family. Semper-fi LenG

-- Leonard F, California

I ran into John several times in the early AM hours at Sky Harbor Airport. He was always quick with a smile to match my own. A great American. A great man. May his memory be blessed.

-- Jeff, Arizona

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Sen McCain was one of those rare individuals who possessed both courage and honor. Rare qualities on their own but even more extraordinary when combined. All of our lives have been enriched by his service. My father was seriously hurt in Korea. losing his right leg, right hand and the sight in both eyes. But he married a beautiful woman, raised four children and ran his own business for 20 years. I always looked up to and was inspired by my father for overcoming his disabilities. I looked up to Sen McCain in the same way.I Have been a life long democrat, but if I lived in Arizona I would have returned John McCain to the Senate over and over again. John McCain was a true American Hero. Thank you for your service doesn't begin to express the gratitude he deserves.

-- Timothy, New York

Thank you for your service. You are a true American hero

-- Nancy, Virginia

My husband & I contacted Sen McCain some years ago. We had a friend Robert Keys who was dying in hospital in AZ. He was a serviceman who admired Sen McCain. I called his office & asked that the Senator send Mr Keys a letter of appreciation for his service. He received that letter a few days before he died & it meant so much to him. So I called his office to thank him. Now I thank him again. God bless to you all. PS His daughter framed that letter

-- Charles & Celia, 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

John McCain was the epitome of an Honorable human being. I remember I wanted him to win the presidential election very much. May he rest in peace

-- lisa, New York

Proud to have served with John, not only in the Navy, but in the cells of North Vietnam prisons. We traveled together all the way from the jet training squadron (John an instructor - I a student) in Meridian, MS, through our time in prison and eventually time together in the Pentagon. An adventuresome life, but as we both agree, a life of unbelievable blessings. Fair winds my friend and my God Bless you and God Bless America.

-- Capt. William (Bill), Washington

We will never forget you, Senator McCain. It’s a heartbreaking day.

-- Kate, Massachusetts

Senator John McCain, one of the great leaders in the U.S. and around the world, is remembered for his faith, dignity, leadership, his love for people everywhere, and his love for his family. Senator McCain will be greatly missed by all, and especially by his comrades and friends in Arizona and Washington, D.C. Senator McCain has made the world a better place with his faith, integrity, leadership; his stand for democracy and freedom for all. His books are a great inspiration and teaching for this generation and the generations to come. Senator McCain's Leadership Institute will teach and bring other leaders for freedom and democracy for peoples all over the world. Senator McCain has been a great servant to Americans and to people in other countries of the world. His faith in God, courage and determination, are an inspiration for everyone all over the world.

-- Teresa, Kentucky

Senator John S. McCain: Thank you so much for your service to our Country. Your memory, and all you have done in your life will be in my heart and mind forever. You were a great man and will be an inspiration for others.

-- David, New York

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

May all Americans strive to follow Senator McCain's extraordinary example of honor, integrity, true patriotism, and public service. My deepest sympathies to the McCain family.

-- Danielle, Virginia

The only politician I ever supported with my wallet. John brought honor to policy and politics and leadership by action and example. My best to his family. The United States has lost a giant with. Let his legacy of fierce independence be forever preserved. God bless his soul in the name of Jesus Christ. Oh... and of course, Fly Navy!

-- Sam, California

Peace with Lord.

-- Howard, California

The life and political commitment of Senator McCain are and will remain for me an example for the rest of my life. I will not forget it in my prayers.

-- Clément, France

I am so saddened to learn of Senator McCain's passing. He is the epitome of patriotism, leadership, a true man of substance, character, morality, compassion and love. He served the United States and her people selflessly - always putting the welfare of others first. There is no one like him in that he was an exceptional man and will live forever as an example of what we should all aspire to be. He continues to serve in spirit and legacy as an inspiration and as the gold standard and essence of true American patriotism. This country was made better because of John McCain. If we could all be more like him just think how much better the world would be. Thank you John McCain for sharing yourself with us - we love you and will forever carry you in our hearts. You are forever our hero!

-- Amy, Oklahoma

I never knew Senator McCain personally, though have been in his company at various political events in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. over the years. But all my adult life I have tried to emulate Senator McCain's love of country, concern for his fellow man, putting country over political party, taking your work but not yourself seriously, and having a little fun along the way. To this day I can visualize his captivity, feel his struggle and pain as a prisoner of war, and marvel at his remarkable positive spirit-despite all odds. But what he has left and given will never be forgotten. In fact, his legacy will hopefully give all citizens hope and faith for a better world. Made that way by Senator John McCain. To his family, my deepest sympathy. He will live on in generations of hopeful, defiant Americans.

-- Dava, Maryland

Mr. McCain, with your life story you leave behind. You make me proud to be from Arizona and an American. You will be greatly missed. May you Rest In Peace.

-- Maria, Arizona

Senator John McCain was a man of integrity and passion. He care about his country and the environment. The fact that he was tortured during the Vietnam war, and was against torturing our enemies today. This showed he was a man of strength. Perhaps, it was not to be for him not to be president; But, he showed through his books and actions in the Senate, that he was a rare and wonderful man with a great wife and family.

-- Kevin, Florida

My deepest condolences. Thank you for being a great senator. I’m a democratic and I have the highest respect for you.

-- Maria, California

He was loved by all of us that shared his desire for goodness and integrity for all people . His legacy will live forever. God bless all of the McCains .we all meet John someday in Heaven . You were truly blessed family to be his family . Lew

-- Lewis, New York

You were a great man of God May you RIP.

-- Harry, Virginia

John McCain was an American hero and showed us how we should treat everyone with respect.

-- John, New York

God bless this family. Remarkable gentleman. His family and world has lost a true leader.

-- Susan, Nevada

I met this lovely person at the Leesburg Virginia airport when he was traveling with Col. Oliver North. We had discussions concerning Aviation during which he highly complimented me in my aviation endeavors. I am convinced that he is a true American Hero whose name should be memorialized along with this nations greatest.

-- david, Virginia

I met Senator McCain at a book signing ceremony in Houston, TX. It was a honor for me to to meet with this officer and gentleman. RIP Senator McCain. My deepest condolences to Senator McCain’s family.

-- Bathiya, New York

It was an honor to do what I could. I was there for him during his Presidential campaign. He would have been a super President. I wished that I had known him better. Prayers and GOD's comfort be with the family as you grieve. He was one of a kind. Will be missed by many.

-- peggy, Arizona

He came to Jacksonville years ago to sign his new book at a local bookstore. My daughter and I waited on line for two hours, when we finally got to him, I asked him if his arm was hurting from signing so many books. He laughed and said he'd been through worse.

-- Kathryn, Florida

Thank you for your years of dedication to the United States, your commitment to uphold the Constitution and contributions for human rights. You will be missed. God Speed Senator.

-- Tedi, Texas

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

-- JOLEEN, Massachusetts

I did not have the privilege of meeting Sen. McCain, but I have known his story for a long time. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Our country has lost a true patriot and hero.

-- Susan, Texas

John was what every politician and American should want to be. he will be truly missed.

-- Luanne, Illinois

Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see GOD. Senator John McCain had every reason to be hard hearted, but time and time again, John forgave...pure hearted John forgave. He always looked forward, not back. He walked the walk. He kept reaching. He was human, but he didn't quit. He kept looking up. God is his strength. So yes, blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see GOD. Thank you McCain Family for sharing John with us. We pray you know God's presence, love and comfort during these very difficult days.

-- Debbie, Virginia

I have always admired John McCain's courage and strength of character. We owe him a debt of gratitude, one we could never repay. Thank you for a lifetime of service to our country...for the example of patriotism and citizenship you have demonstrated. To the McCain family, I mourn with you and will be praying for you during these difficult days. Your husband and father will love on in our hearts and American spirit. May God's peace and comfort be yours. What a man...what a legacy John McCain leaves behind...a true American hero...my hero! Not many would give their lives for people they don't even know...yet John Mc Cain gave it all willingly. Thank you...forever grateful!

-- Pam, Florida

I never had the honor of meeting John and shaking his hand personally, but did work as a volunteer lobbying for him from my Michigan home in several elections, Senatorial and Presidential. John was a shining example of clear-sighted ideals, a paragon of patriotism in our government, and showed what it meant to be a "Man of the People". Indeed, he taught by example even in adversity's face the meaning of "being a man". He understood the importance of a strong military and the strength of our great Constitution. I treasure a personal note of thanks he once sent for my lobbying efforts. Truly, "The Man Who Should Be King" (correction: President). Ronald Reagan and Teddy Roosevelt, whom he honorably stands shoulder to shoulder with, would be proud. As are all true Americans, and heavy-hearted, as am I. A righteous, honorable man! May God rest his soul!

-- Jim, Michigan

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of John McCain.

-- Holly, Connecticut

Senator McCain and the Governor were speaking at the VA National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona for Memorial Day services. He spoke of ISIS. Was America first early on. Thank you for your service and sacrifice to this great nation.

-- Joseph, Arizona

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

-- Jean, Arizona

Share Your Own Memory of John McCain:

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

John Sidney McCain III 1936 - 2018