With Heavy Hearts, Presidents & Lawmakers Come Forward After Sen. John McCain’s Passing

Posted By: Lindsey Michelle August 26, 2018

On Saturday, 4:28 PM Mountain Time, at the age of 81, four days shy of his 82nd birthday, Senator John Sidney McCain passed away at his Arizona home surrounded by his family and friends.

In his last hours, McCain turned down further treatment, his family announced in a statement.

President Ronald Reagan greets John McCain as First Lady Nancy Reagan looks on, March 1987. Image Source: Wikipedia 

John “Maverick” McCain, was a war hero and pilot fighter who survived five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, served three decades in Congress, and went on to become the Republican Party’s nominee for President in 2008.

In July2017, McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer.

“I greatly appreciate the outpouring of support – unfortunately for my sparring partners in Congress, I’ll be back soon, so stand-by!” McCain posted on Twitter July 20th after his diagnosis. (Continued Below)

Yesterday, McCain’s family said in a statement,“Last summer, Senator John McCain shared with Americans the news our family already knew: he had been diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma, and the prognosis was serious. In the year since, John has surpassed expectations for his survival. But the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict.”

The family added, “With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment.”

John McCain was a fighter and fought till the end. Funeral services for McCain’s funeral services will be held in Washington, Arizona, and at the Navel Academy. (Continued Below)

As the announcement of John McCain’s passing hit the airwaves, many came forward sending their condolences and issuing statements.

McCain’s wife, Cindy, said on Twitter that her “heart is broken” following her husband’s death.

Cindy said, “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.”

The senator’s daughter, Meghan, posted a heartfelt note online.

Senator Lindsey Graham and one of John McCain’s best friends wrote, “America and Freedom have lost one of her greatest champions. ….And I’ve lost one of my dearest friends and mentor. He continued, “I will need some time to absorb this, but I want Cindy —and the entire McCain family — to know they are in my prayers.”

President Trump expressed, “My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!”

The First Lady said, “Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to the McCain Family. Thank you Senator McCain for your service to the nation.”

Vice President Mike Pence said, “Karen and I are praying for Senator John McCain, Cindy and their family this weekend. May God bless them all during this difficult time.”

“Karen and I send our deepest condolences to Cindy and the entire McCain family on the passing of Senator John McCain. We honor his lifetime of service to this nation in our military and in public life. His family and friends will be in our prayers. God bless John McCain.”

Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed her condolences to John McCains daughter Meghan, “There is no way any father could be prouder. Our hearts and prayers are with you. He was a great American. God bless you and your family.”

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Former President George W. Bush stated, “Some lives are so vivid, it is difficult to imagine them ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled. John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order. He was a public servant in the finest traditions of our country. And to me, he was a friend whom I’ll deeply miss. Laura and I send our heartfelt sympathies to Cindy and the entire McCain family, and our thanks to God for the life of John McCain.”

Former President Barack Obama wrote, “Our statement on the passing of Senator John McCain:”

Former Vice President Joe Biden said, “John McCain 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. He will be missed dearly.”

Former President Jimmy Carter released a statement Saturday night on the passing of Sen. John McCain, calling him a “true patriot in the best sense of the word.”

Former President Bill Clinton wrote, “John McCain believed that every citizen has a responsibility to make something of the freedoms given by our Constitution, and from his heroic service in the Navy to his 35 years in Congress, he lived by his creed every day.”

Former Secretary of State tweeted, “@SenJohnMcCain lived a life of service to his country, from his heroism in the Navy to 35 years in Congress. He was a tough politician, a trusted colleague, and there will simply never be another like him. My thoughts and prayers are with Cindy and his entire family.”

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Former Governor of Alaska and GOP Vice Presidential Nominee with John McCain wrote, “Today we lost an American original. Sen. John McCain was a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his beliefs. John never took the easy path in life – and through sacrifice and suffering he inspired others to serve something greater than self.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel said, “Today, the nation mourns the loss of a great American patriot. My full statement on the passing of Sen John McCain.”

Senate Minority Leader Nancy Pelsoi tweeted, “@SenJohnMcCain was a leader & public servant of deep patriotism, outstanding bravery & undaunted spirit. Throughout his career, we all saw his integrity, humility, courage & grace. May it be a comfort to his family to know that so many around the world mourn with them.”

The Republican National Committee released their statement:

Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan tweeted, “Our hearts are with John’s wife, Cindy, his children, and his grandchildren. This Congress, this country mourn with them.”

Rep. Trey Gowdy wrote, “We honor and remember John McCain for his service to and love for our country. He always had a word of accountability and encouragement.”

Rep. Jim Jordan tweeted, “Our prayers are with Senator McCain’s family. All Americans appreciate his service to our country.”

Senator Ted Cruz said, “Senator John McCain was a patriot, and an extraordinary American war hero. Heidi and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Cindy, and to the entire McCain family, as they grieve the loss of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. May he Rest In Peace.”

Former Gov. of Arkansas Mike Huckabee sent his regards, “Sen McCain was a courageous warrior who served and suffered for the freedom we all enjoy. I lost the GOP nomination to him in 2008 but we never once had a cross word. After he beat me I campaigned vigorously for him. No regrets. My heart goes out to His family.”

Senator Rand Paul tweeted, “Kelley and I send our prayers and condolences to the family of Senator John McCain, a man of great courage and conviction. May He Rest In Peace.”

Rep. Ron DeSantis expressed, “RIP Senator John McCain, a man who sacrificed so much for our country and was a true Navy legend.”

Sen. Chuck Grassley said, “John McCain & I served together in the United States Senate for 32 years. His tenacity & courage, including in Vietnam as a POW for 6 years- won’t be forgotten. I join the nation tonight in honoring Sen McCain’s life and legacy of service”

Former Secretary of State, John Kerry wrote, “My statement on the passing of Senator John McCain:”

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Flags at Arizona State Capitol fly half staff:

The White House flag has been lowered to half-staff in honor of Senator John McCain.

Watch below a life and times of Sen. John McCain:

RIP JOHN MCCAIN. Thank you for your service to our country.