John McCain remembered by friends, family, and colleagues

ARIZONA – Senator John McCain died Saturday after a battle with brain cancer.

His death comes after his announcement to stop treatment for his aggressive cancer.

After news of his passing, an outpouring of tributes was given from those who knew him.

McCain’s family took to Twitter to express their feelings.

Cindy McCain tweeted: “My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best.”

McCain’s daughter, Meghan McCain shared the following statement on her twitter account:

Politicians from Indiana and surrounding states also gave their thoughts:

U.S. Senator Todd Young:

“John McCain was a patriot and hero who served our country in uniform and in the Senate with extraordinary courage, passion, sacrifice, and integrity. I join with his family, his friends, our colleagues in the Senate, and all Americans in mourning the passing of one of the finest leaders our nation has produced. We can honor his life and legacy by ensuring America continues to lead from a position of strength and principle – standing up for freedom, the oppressed, the dispossessed, and the rule of law.”

U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly:

“I deeply mourn the loss of my dear friend and mentor, John McCain, an American hero of the truest kind. His example will always inspire me. I will remember John as representing the very best of what makes America the greatest nation in the world. May God bless his family, friends, and our nation just as John blessed us with his life.”

U.S. Representative Fred Upton :

 “John McCain was an American hero, a statesman, and – above all else – a personal friend.

“We traveled the country back and forth, and again in 2008. His boundless energy still exposed his torturous, haunting past but his ability to forgive even his captors showed his resilient faith and strength.

“He was a bipartisan legislative leader that never stopped to smell the roses as there was always a new legislative challenge to tackle next. Campaign finance, our veterans and servicemen and women, health research, and 21st Century Cures were just some of the issues in his wheelhouse.

“He worked and played hard all his days and I felt privileged to share some of those times. He left no regrets other than the knowledge his absence would require those that admired him to step up and carry on. He served his country in so many ways and inspired folks in every walk of life.

“His dignity, integrity, and sense of duty is what all public servants should seek to emulate.

“Amey and I are sending our prayers to the entire McCain family.”

Congressman Dan Kildee:

 “With strength and humility, John McCain showed us all what it means to be a true public servant. From his sacrifice as a prisoner of war to his service in the U.S. Senate, John McCain was a man of integrity. John McCain’s death is an incredible loss for our country.”

“Jennifer and I extend our condolences to the entire McCain family during this difficult time. For generations to come, John McCain will be a role model for others who seek to live a principled and courageous life.”

Michigan Republican Party Chairman Ron Weiser :

 “Senator John McCain was an American Hero and a dear friend. In 2007-08, I had the tremendous pleasure of serving as National Co-Chair on Senator McCain’s Presidential Champaign and I shall cherish the time we spent together. John McCain’s commitment to our nation and lifetime of public service can be summed up by one simple word: duty. He dedicated his life to protecting our nation both in the United States Navy and in the Senate, and our nation can never repay the sacrifices he made for us. On behalf of myself, my wife Eileen, and Republicans across Michigan, I would like to send my deepest condolences to Cindy and the rest of the McCain family.”

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow :

“John McCain was a true American hero. He served our country bravely on the battlefield and in public service. His independent spirit and his dedication to doing what is right will be greatly missed. My prayers are with Cindy and the McCain family during this very difficult time.”


Michelle and Barack Obama said in a joint statement:

"John McCain and I were members of different generations, came from completely different backgrounds, and competed at the highest level of politics. But we shared, for all our differences, a fidelity to something higher -- the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched, and sacrificed. We saw our political battles, even, as a privilege, something noble, an opportunity to serve as stewards of those high ideals at home, and to advance them around the world. We saw this country as a place where anything is possible -- and citizenship as our patriotic obligation to ensure it forever remains that way.

"Few of us have been tested the way John once was, or required to show the kind of courage that he did. But all of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above our own. At John's best, he showed us what that means. And for that, we are all in his debt. Michelle and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Cindy and their family.”

President Trump tweeted: 

"My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!”

Joe Biden released a statement saying:

"John McCain's life is proof that some truths are timeless. Character. Courage. Integrity. Honor. A life lived embodying those truths casts a long, long shadow. John McCain will cast a long shadow. His impact on America hasn't ended. Not even close. It will go on for many years to come.

"As a POW, John endured the worst of what human beings can do to one another. In politics, he fell short of his greatest ambition. At the end of his life he faced a cruel and relentless disease. And yet through it all he never lost sight of what he believed most: Country First. And the spirit that drove him was never extinguished: we are here to commit ourselves to something bigger than ourselves.

"John was many things -- a proud graduate of the Naval Academy, a Senate colleague, a political opponent. But, to me, more than anything, John was a friend.

"America will miss John McCain. The world will miss John McCain. And I will miss him dearly.

"On behalf of myself, Jill, and the entire Biden family, our sincerest condolences go out to Cindy, Doug, Andy, Sidney, Meghan, Jack, Jimmy, Bridget, and the entire McCain family."






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