I’m at a loss for words tonight. Both in the midst of war and in the halls of Washington, Senator McCain's dedication to our country never faltered. In this era of talking heads and 24-hour news cycles, John McCain reminded us that we are not defined by our divisions or our disagreements but by our common bond as Americans. We can never replace him but we can honor him by continuing his mission. Thank you, Senator. hashtag#countryfirst

-- Maya, Washington, D.C.

In 1982 John McCain sat down with myself and so to be wife Karen and talked to us at Temple Beth Israel. We occasionally cross ed paths again at different sporting events in the Valley of the Sun. I did volunteer work with his son Andrew at different Fiesta Bowl Events. Hopefully John McCain Name with be on different buildings throughout Arizona. Mr. McCain helped my son Nathan play football in the Down Under Bowl game in Australia in 2009. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ?? STATE OF ARIZONA ??.

-- MICHAEL, Arizona

A great american - thank you for your friendship to Germany - we will not forget. R.I.P.

-- Thomas, Germany

You were a true hero.

-- SAHBA, Texas

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

Thank you, John McCain, for your service throughout your life! I truly admired you and what you stood for! God Bless and my deepest sympathy to your family!

-- Michelle, Texas

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

My heartfelt thanks to Senator John McCain and to his family for his dedication to country, service and family. Love and admiration from my entire family... Henry, Laurie, Sasha and myself, God Bless you all

-- Lena, Idaho

my feelings for the loss of this freedom hero

-- Luis, Brazil

Thank You Mr McCain for your leadership in the Senate as well as in the Navy, RIP A viet nam veteran

-- John A, Indiana

I remember meeting John McCain at a book signing sponsored by RJ Julia held at Daniel Hand High School in Madison, CT where he also gave a speech on national security and the Iraq war I believe. This was while he was working in Congress to improve airport security after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I honestly don't remember the speech but I do remember him signing both of my copies of his books, Faith of my Father's and Worth the Fighting for, shaking his hand and having our photographer taken which was later framed and which I have kept displayed on my bookshelf as a reminder of one of the greatest and most memorable experiences of my life. I loved his Straight Talk Express campaign in 2000 and his book, Hard Choices. I voted for him in the 2008 presidential election. He has my eternal gratitude, admiration and respect. RIP John McCain.

-- Gregory, Connecticut

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

Vietnam was our meeting place a long time ago. I remember when he walked out of the jungle. God bless you and keep you. I shall miss you greatly. Jerry Simpson

-- Gerry, Maryland

Rest In Peace Senator McCain. Thank you for your service to our country. Very pleased to learn about the TGen Project That you brought to Arizona. I know many people will benefit from that.

-- Janie, Arizona

Thank you, John McCain, for your years of service to our country. You will sincerely be missed. Deepest condolences to your family.

-- Sarah, Colorado

I related to Senator McCain because he was different from most in Congress. He put values and beliefs before political affiliations. He was the best within us. I am sad at our loss but rejoice that he will be rewarded and welcomed in heaven.

-- Jane, Tennessee

Sen. McCain, you will be missed. Even though I did not agree with all your opinions. I respected the integrity and conviction you held and carried yourself with. America lost a great public servant today. God be with you.

-- Andrew, California

Rip my prayers goes out to your family and thank you for your services and standing up for us

-- Lynn, New Hampshire

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

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

Senator McCain transcends party ideology and selfish party discipline. His driving force is the unwavering faith that he has in the true values of American democracy. Straightforward speaking, ready to take coordinated action, showing respect towards his opponents, able to admit his mistakes, and selfless – these are the qualities that McCain possesses, and they make him a leader who has and will influence many generations of people not only in America, but all around the world. Sometimes it can seem that people of such magnitude only exist in history books, but Senator McCain is here and now. He has taught and inspired and he will keep teaching and inspiring. America can be proud to have a son like Senator McCain.

-- Ilze

Many of our nations problems would be solved if everyone in Washington had the integrity of Senator John McCain. - Not a Republican.

-- Brad, Maine

My wife and I first met Senator McCain and his wife in 2007 in Dover, NH at a small intimate gathering unique to NH's place in politics, as he began his 2008 Presidential bid. As he shook hands with the small crowd we mentioned our son was in Iraq, and was supportive of his policies for that region. Senator McCain seemed genuinely interested, and Cindy spent more than a few moments chatting with my wife, mentioning their son would be deploying soon. We became volunteer works on Senator McCain's campaign (the first and only time we've felt the need to do that)) and as such had a few occasions to speak with him. Amazingly, he always remembered to ask about our son. We found him to be a genuine and thoughtful person. A true American who's life's impact will reverberate well into the future. Thoughts and prayers for family.

-- Mark & Deb, New Hampshire

I served in Vietnam. Your legacy will inspire the young men and women thinking about entering the military and flying aircraft. Your unselfish position, and willing to sacrifice your life on behalf of the soldiers on the ground is appreciated. Your gallantry in action saved many lives, like myself. Mr. McCain, know that we will always love you, respect you and pray for you and your beautiful family!

-- Carlos, Texas

The world is in search of character-driven leaders today. Senator McCain’s ability to see this in well advance and started supporting and cultivating character-driven leaders through the McCain Institute for International Leadership is the true quality of MAN. Cultivating and supporting the special talent and/or character-driven leaders of tomorrow is the highest of goodness one can do in this life time. And I am grateful Senator McCain is leading this effort in the USA through Next Generation Leaders program and it was rare opportunity of great reflection and realization time in my life that changed my perception, ignorance, and Senator McCain is truly bringing the world peace next level through his great effort of supporting and bringing up the character-driven Next Generation Leaders of the world. In today’s politically polarized culture throughout the world, other politicians can learn from Senator McCain at least his way of putting country over the political party.

-- Gantuya, Mongolia

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

I honor and Respect all that he has done. My personal brief enconter wad working on his presentatioal campaign in 2008. I was proud to participate and surprised my Family for the first time ever to actiely want to participate in a Campaign, that was how dtrongly I respected Senator John McCain. The closest I ever got to him was in PHX when he had his presidential loss he was so Gracious. I still am so glad and proud that the time I devoted to Senator John McCain. With Love and Grace to his family and colleagues at this time with Prayers.

-- Leslie K, Arizona

Death can never take a good man away, for in the hearts of the people he inspired, his legacy remains and continues throughout generations. Sen. John S. McCain will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace. Please accept my humble condolences.

-- Jean Marc, Belgium

Senator McCain and the Institute's focus on character driven leadership sets it apart from other organizations. My experience with the Next Generation Leader's program provided me with the insights and skills to make an enduring and positive impact in Canada. This foundational year provides emerging leaders with an unprecedented opportunity to refine their own leadership values and the opportunity to develop an action plan to make a positive impact in their field of choice.

-- Michael, 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

Thank you for your many years of service, Senator McCain. Your leadership is inspiring. We are grateful. Rest in peace.

-- Nancy, Pennsylvania

Senator John McCain was a true American hero and a champion for All people. He made the world a better place through his actions and words. Rest In Peace, Senator.

-- Stephen, New York

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

-- Susan, Nevada

I've long admired and respected Sen. McCain for his strength, leadership and love of America. He dedicated his whole life to serving our country, striving to make it better and stronger, and becoming a mentor to many.

-- Susan, Texas

Mission Accomplished. Rest in Peace.

-- greg, Minnesota

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson In every sense, we can say that Senator John McCain succeeded.

-- Anthony, Georgia

Thank you for your honorable service Sir. You will be greatly missed.

-- Cathy, California

I send my heartfelt condolences to a man that fought the fight in so many ways ...probably the hardest fight was the horrible disease called cancer.May he RIP.So sorry to his family.

-- Marion, New York

A tender touch, hardly felt but with a widespread impact. John McCain’s work on leadership is far reaching like a fire in a wild wind. McCain's character of selfless devotion to country & global influence is empowering next generation leaders worldwide.

-- Mira, Sierra Leone

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

-- Gail, Florida

My love and prayers go to the family of this fine man. When he first started in politics both my daughter and myself worked in his office and worked for him. We also worked for Jon Kyl and Barry Goldwater. Prayer and hope that his replacement will be of a very high caliber, like Jon Kyle. I hope young people will read of his devotion and learn what keeps America the land of the free!

-- Billie, Oregon

Thank for the blanket of FREEDOM you so unselfishly provided to everyone in the Initef States ofErica with your service and dedication to every AmericaGod ZBless you and your family

-- Judith, California

Senator McCain stood by us when we were in a position to lose our house, and intervened with Bank of America on our behalf. His help was invaluable to us and I will never forget his kindness, nor his and his office staff's efforts. RIP

-- Jessica, Arizona

Thank you so much to John McCain for giving me the opportunity to work and travel with him on the 2000 campaign—it was an absolute highlight of my professional life. And thank you for serving as a political hero—both for the nation, and for my son-who was awed by him-and other young Americans at a time where kids have way too few politicians to look up to. To be both driven by principle, and to be able to apologize, are such admirable traits, and he was a true leader. And he was a lot of fun. It was an honor to know him. Thank you Senator John McCain.

-- Maya, Maryland

True American Hero...May his soul Rest In Peace in God’s perpetual light

-- Dave, New York

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

-- Edwin, California

A brave, honorable man whose character and moral compass is a beacon for us all.

-- Bruce, New York

My sincere condolences and thanks to the McCain family for their service as well as Sen McCain's.

-- Becky, Kentucky

Thank you for your service John.

-- j, Minnesota

Senator McCain has been a true Patriot with great love of country. He was a true Statesman and man of honor and integrity. He will be missed by those who knew him and citizens just like me! God is welcoming this special soul!

-- Jane, Florida