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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.

This is the only government official whom has ever earned my respect... we truly lost so much with his experiences. He was , is my hero.

-- Thomas, Colorado

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

Truly will be missed and a great person .And rest in peace.

-- Greg, Colorado

I graduated from the Naval Academy in 1959. I remember meeting him on several Saturdays while marching off conduct violations during our time at the academy. In 1969 I acquired a POW bracelet with John?s name and date of captivity inscribed on it. I wore it until his return to the USA. I am giving the bracelet to my grandson, who as been a loyal fan of John since he was 5 years old. John will always be remembered for his courage and loyalty to the United States of America. May he rest in peace knowing that he has fought for a better world and a great America.

-- Patrick, Arizona

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 am saddened by Senator John McCain’s passing. He was larger than life, and I am grateful to him for serving our country for so many decades with strength and honor. God bless his family. Rest in peace Senator McCain, you will be missed.

-- Krista, Kansas

You will be missed. Thank you for your leadership

-- Tom, Wisconsin

A Great Great Man. He will be miss by all

-- Ron, Washington

Mr senator John McCain one of my heroes deeply condolences

-- Oscar A, Florida

A lot of respect for this true American, your honesty and social awareness. You will be deeply missed.

-- Karel and Ellen, Netherlands

As just an ordinary citizen I wish to thank his wife Cindy for all the support she gave to over the years to this patriotic man and husband . He will not be forgotten and neither will she . So Thank You Cindy and May God Be with as your new challenges come .

-- Connie, Arizona

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

EL MUNDO HA PERDIDO A UN HEROE, UN EJEMPLO PARA TODOS. UN LUCHADOR. DESDE ESPAÑA MI MAS SENTIDO PESAME A LA FAMILIA, AMIGOS Y AL PUEBLO AMERICANO. DESCANSE EN PAZ

-- JUAN JOSE, Spain

Sadness on the passing of a true American hero. As a fellow USNA graduate I have always admired him. During his 50th reunion at the Academy (during his Presidential run) he took the time to come and address my class 35th reunion. A class act, he will truly be missed.

-- William, Virginia

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

A true American hero. May God rest his soul

-- Neal, Connecticut

I really want to extend my most heartfelt sympathy to Sen. McCain's family. While I didn't always agree with his politics, I ALWAYS admired his integrity, honor, and humility. It makes his loss doubly sorrowful in the political climate of today. While I didn't know him personally, I feel confident that he was a truly good man all the way down to his soul. I believe we can all learn something from his life, and we should strive to be as true a person as he was. And again, my deepest sympathy to all of his family. He will be missed.

-- Sheri, California

My family and I first heard about Senator John McCain running for the 2008 Presidential elections. Were were visiting Minneapolis/St. Paul 10 years ago to attend the State Fair and had no idea the Republican National Convention was being held the same time we were there. We have heard Senator McCain speak on television during this convention and noted his admiration for his country and his devotion to his family. Even though we are from Canada, we took note of how Senator McCain spoke eloquently and how humble he was, even after his election loss. To the people of Arizona and to the McCain Family we offer our heartfelt condolences. God Bless you all.

-- Andrew, Canada

Sympathy and admiration from a veteran and his spouse. Our country has lost an extraordinary and inimitable life. Rest in peace to a heroic soul.

-- Vito, Georgia

Senator John McCain rest in peace you are truly missed God bless and may he cradle you in his arms

-- Kevin Michael, Arizona

I have just would love to think and remember John McCain for the great and wonderful things of his earth life. For one for his Navy service and serving this great republic. His pain and suffering for this country will be remembered. He also served this county in the Senate even though he could have retired long ago he continued to serve the USA through pain, illness, hardships, and old age. I will keep John McCain and his family in my thoughts and prayers. God bless the former senator and his family!

-- Daniel, Missouri

This great man lead our Nation and will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time. Goodbye Patriot.

-- Dan, Oregon

Thank you John McCain for your loyal service and the time you spent in in OUR HONOR. Rest in Peace.

-- dana, Florida

Rest in peace, Great American Patriot. Ukrainian people will remember you as the true Friend. My sincere condolences to Senator John McCain family.

-- Inna, New York

To the McCain Family, I, will forever remember Senator John McCain, as a man with the highest degree of integrity and honesty. His legacy, and his principles will live on and inspire many. Senator John McCain, displayed amazing truth and honesty to the very end. He was able to disinvite the heartless, rude and crude President of the United States of America, to his own Funeral Service. I support and take comfort in John McCain's decision. Today, we will salute, Senator John McCain. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

-- Alfrieda, Wisconsin

Quite a few years back, John McCain came to Lake Havasu & there was always a party at Marie Meahl's home. Fond memories of him & even had my picture taken with Senator McCain which I still have. God Bless his family with such a loss.

-- Patricia, Arizona

A true patriot. He will be missed. Godspeed Senator.

-- Darrell, Florida

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

My husband, John and I voted for Senator McCain in his last race for the presidency! We believed strongly in his values, as they were ours. He upheld the strength and importance of our military. He was my sister's age, if she were alive today. My husband, John, is just 8 years his junior and served in the Army National Guard, but he could have been called up for Vietnam in a heart beat. He served at home with collage riots and the burning of Baltimore during the late 60's. I am 12 years his junior. During the Vietnam War, many suffered and died...yet many survived... John McCain was the ultimate survivor then went on to serve our USA admirably for many years...right up until he succumbed to brain cancer . May God bless his soul! Bless his family with Your Strength and Comfort, Lord!

-- Deborah, South Carolina

I feel very fortunate that I was able to shake this true American's hand a few years ago! What a truly great man of great character and strength.

-- Josephine, California

Thank you for embodying American, and especially, Arizonian ideals. Even when tried, I've never felt you were disagreeable, but properly and rightly stubborn and principled. Rest in peace Senator.

-- Coltor, Arizona

The world has lost a great statesman who was respected by people all over the globe. I never met him personally but nevertheless felt inspired by his strong and clear vision about the role of the United States in the global political system.

-- Mike, Germany

I was lucky enough to meet him briefly on a political science field-trip to Washington D.C. He was friendly and not what I would have pictured as a political figure which seemed at odd with the busy political culture and life in the capitol. It was great to see someone so down-to-earth and not too busy to say hello and greet some college students from Bellevue, Washington.

-- Barbara, Washington

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

We shall remember Captain John McCain, USN (Ret.) as a magnificent patriot. Bless him and all in his family.

-- Robert, Washington

My Deepest Sympathy to the family..He was truly a protector of our Freedom..He is now a Heavenly Angel ..

-- RoseAnn, Pennsylvania

A real American. One of a kind. So long.

-- Dave, Florida

I loved supporting him for President, my heart was broken when Obama won, John you were a true hero. A true states man. You gave us reason to trust an believe. How lucky the Lord God is to have you. You will truly be missed. Please watch over us from that garden above.

-- Rhonda, New Mexico

Thank you for your enduring service to our country. I voted for you in the 2008 Presidential election.

-- Marcie, Illinois

He was simply, my hero...

-- Dianne, Michigan

Although I never met him, as a chef, I prepared food for his team during the 2008 Civil Forum at Saddleback Church. It was an exciting privilege, and debate with then candidate Obama. I'm sure if Senator McCain had won (as I hoped and voted), our country would be in much better shape. I am sure he was received into heaven with "well done, good and faithful servant." God bless his family and may the Lord comfort them with peace, grace, and strength in these difficult days ahead. Thank you John McCain for your service, strength and dedication.

-- sally, California

He was a great American and hero -- His passing is a great loss to American values

-- Nancy, New Jersey

God Bless You ! Never see a man like him again !

-- Renee, New Jersey

For our generation, John McCain stood as a true hero, an example of patriotism, even through the dark hours of Viet Nam, and what was to follow. Self sacrifice .. putting our country above our immediate needs... no matter what the cost. Will always honor his memory!

-- Sue, California

I had the distinct privilege to serve as a delegate for John in both the 2000 and 2008 Republican National Convention from Massachusetts. I have such admiration and respect for this man. My great sympathies to his family.

-- Madeleine, Massachusetts

I like John McCain, I wish I had meet him and his family.

-- David, Texas

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

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

John McCain was my hero and role model. I want to be like John McCain

-- Hector, Texas

Thank you for your service to our Country. God Bless you.

-- David, Virginia

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.