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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.
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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 McCain was not only a great Senator, but most importantly displayed great characteristics and great dignity. He was always known for doing things the right way, regardless of if you agree or disagree with him. I will never forget the moment he stood up for then Candidate Barack Obama on several occasions, He was not bitter when he lost in 2008 and showed and displayed grace. He will be missed. Thank you sir for your service to the United States for the last 60 years,

-- Nicholas, New Jersey

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

Dear Family: With all his many impressive accomplishments I always looked at him with pride . I was pleased to have been a classmate in USNA-58 with him for a while. He was a great man. The country will miss him.

-- Rich, Wisconsin

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

as a wife of a Marine jet pilot serving his tour in Vietnam , I was so afraid my husband could be shot down and taken as POW. We have a bracelet to this day framed on the wall in our company of a RIO of his f-4 phantom still listed as missing after all these years. after 121 missions Richard did come home but lost about 1/3 of his squadron. We saw Orson Swindle come off the plane in 73' whom rich had met in the Philippines on R&R and a fellow POW of Sen McCain and have followed Sen McCain's career. We send our sincere regards to the family and this time of our lives during the war will never be forgotten and those that served. jan & Rich Buckley

-- janet, California

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

Senator McCain transcended political parties and represented the best of Arizona and America. He will be sorely missed.

-- Cheryl, Arizona

Honored to have voted for the Senator in 2000 Republican Presidental primary as well 2008 General election! One of the few votes in my lifetime that I am proud of. The country will be so much worse of without the unifying spirit of the late Senator. God bless his spirit and memory! My deepest condolences to the McCain family!

-- Dzafer, Illinois

Sen . John McCain you will be miss I just cane not get over your last words to us all. God Speed John McCain Thank you for your Service

-- Alma, Ohio

I was honored to have met the Senator when he came to our community during his run for the Presidency. He was a man that I respected very much. Even though he was a little young, he was one of the GREATEST GENERATION of soldiers who fought for this country, a country he truly loved. He will be missed.

-- John, Florida

RIP Senator.

-- Bryan, Arizona

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

What an honorable guy...wish I’d have met him! I identify with his quick fuse, and sense of humor. To me, his humanity and decency shown brightly when the woman at a rally called Barack Obama an Arab, and John rebuked her...and how he got many jabs in at Obama at the Al Smith dinner, but then honored him. WOW! Imagine our president (small p) doing anything like either of those things today. So sad! From what I knew, I loved the man! We need to honor him through integrity and service that we do now daily. My heart reaches out to the McCain family.

-- Roger, Nebraska

rest in peace faithful servant. so grateful for you service.

-- Peter, Arizona

I didn't know him. Sent some emails. I supported his presidential run. Truly sad to hear this recent news.

-- Fatbardh, New Jersey

Our family has been saddened by this loss, John McCain was a light of hope in a dark time politically. We laughed at his self defacing jokes, his delightful honesty. Most of all, we felt protected from corruption. He was not afraid to speak his mind when others were cowards or motivated purely by the polls. In short, he had guts and conviction of his beliefs. The rest of the party seems to have lost their moral compass. As he goes with our Lord, I am sure he will be welcome. We'll miss you, love and encouragement from our family to his on this day.

-- Renee, Oregon

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

Peace to you fellow Vietnam veteran. You are an honorable gentleman!

-- stuart, Hawaii

Senator John McCain was a human being that honored his work to do good for others. When I met him, Senator McCain was modest and sincere man. One of the few true heroes of our country. Best regards to Cindy and the McCain family, Hon. C. WS Kim

-- Charles WS, Illinois

It is my prayer we find someone with your honesty and competence to lead and govern us. God bless you!

-- Steven, Arizona

A hero!!!!

-- Greg, Pennsylvania

An honorable man who led by example. Statesman, Patriot, American. RIP Senator McCain.

-- Pam, California

You taught us to forgive. I wish I could have been a better student .

-- Nolan, California

My heart goes out to the family thanks for your service senator McCain our thoughts and prayers gone but never forgotten Rest In Peace.

-- Franklyn, Arizona

The death of Senator McCain is not only a great loss in the US, his death is a loss for all democrats in the world who fight for freedom and their believes. Senator McCain was an extraordinary and independent personality who did not just say what the present leadership wants to hear. The current policy is poor with characters like him.

-- Torsten, Germany

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

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

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

A great patriot that put his country before politics. He would have made a great President.

-- Gail, Florida

My extended family and I just wanted to wish our deepest condolences to your family. We are all Democrats and we really always respected and liked your father and husband very very much ..What a wonderful and amazing Legacy he leaves. We view him as one of the most courageous and dignified Senators or Congressman we have ever had or probably ever will have...We know it is so hard for you ...We are all praying for you. God bless you and you're wonderful father and husband.

-- Ardele, Pennsylvania

God Bless You John, Thank You for Serving Our Country..

-- William, New York

He was a flyer like my Father in Vietnam, they knew each other ! He was very nice to me when he came to Havasu !!! Never forget

-- Linda, Arizona

You were a leader and an inspiration to this country and the people who live here. We need more men like you.

-- Edmund, Oregon

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

John McCain, although we never met we share a Vietnam War experience. I served at Hue City during TET 1968. We all knew of the Americans being tortured at the Hanoi Hilton. We could not imagine the horror of what you and the other prisoners were going through. Remarkably, following the war you continued to your death to uphold American values and ideals and serve your country with honor and a sense of humor. You are a true American hero John McCain. You will be missed greatly and remembered in history as one of the great Americans of all time. My heart felt sympathy goes out to your loving family.

-- Ben, California

Shook hands with John and his beautiful wife when I did a little work on his 2008 presidential campaign. Nice people.

-- Gilbert, California

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

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

He was a man of true honor and courage. His unique style and humor will be missed in this world.

-- Mike, California

May God Bless The McCain family.

-- Antonio, Delaware

Senator McCain was the only presidential candidate I ever campaigned for and one of two campaigns that I contributed to. Our country would have been so blessed to have him as our president.

-- Richard, New Hampshire

My memory of John McCain will always be the class and dignity with which he conducted himself during and after the 2008 Presidential Campaign. There is no greater example of his extraordinary character.

-- Michael, Massachusetts

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

John McCain was the Executive Officer of VA174 when I was in A-7E RAG training at Cecil Field in the mid 1970s. He personally taught me low-level tactics, and weapons training at MCAS Yuma AZ. What a GREAT instructor, and motivator! And John had one of the most infectious senses of humor of anyone I have ever known. What an inspiration of a man!!

-- Richard, Idaho

A true American Hero !!! My family and I will always remember you and keep you in our prayers...

-- Ernesto, Florida

A great American, I will miss him.

-- Jack, Pennsylvania

Senator McCain is a true American hero. Inspirational and a fresh breath of air in a polluted political circle. May God welcome home his child. Que Dios lo bendiga!

-- Jorge, New York

Our hearts go to the McCain family and our country for his lost!

-- Maria, Florida

I had the pleasure of attending a rally at Sun City, SC when this fine man ran for president of our country.Please remember the good times and ignore those who do not know better.

-- Elsa, South Carolina

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

-- Lorenzo, 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.