Tributes to 'true American patriot' John McCain cross political divide
Friends, family and the top tiers of US politics lined up to pay tribute to politician and celebrated war veteran John McCain after his death on Saturday.
"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," his office said in a statement.
"At his death, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 60 years."
Long-time critic Donald Trump was one of the first to send condolences on Twitter.
The US President has in recent days been criticised for not mentioning his former colleague's deteriorating health.
My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 26 August 2018
His wife of 38 years , Cindy also paid tribute, writing: "He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best."
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.
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) 26 August 2018
Describing him as a "true patriot," the US Naval air force posted a picture of Mr McCain during his time as a Navy pilot.
A man who served his country up until his last days...a true patriot and American hero. RIP, John Sidney McCain III. #selflessness#service#hero#FlyNavypic.twitter.com/rLjFgXnv9x
— flynavy (@flynavy) 26 August 2018
His daughter Meghan McCain paid a touching tribute to her father with a statement on Twitter in which she said "he was a great fire who burned bright, and we lived in his light and warmth for so very long."
I love you forever - my beloved father @SenJohnMcCainpic.twitter.com/Y50tVQvlVe
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) 26 August 2018
In a released statement former US President George W. Bush said of Senator John McCain "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 I send our heartfelt sympathies to Cindy and the entire McCain family, and our thanks to God for the life of John McCain."
Another former US President, Jimmy Carter also issued a statement on his death, writing: "John McCain was a man of honour, a true patriot in the best sense of the word. Americans will be forever grateful for his heroic military service and his steadfast integrity as a member of the United States Senate.
"Rosalynn and I extend our sincere condolences to Senator McCain's family and to the people of Arizona whom he represented so forthrightly for so many years."
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. https://t.co/946T7PnG53
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) 26 August 2018
.@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.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 26, 2018
Senator Lindsey Graham said he lost one of his dearest friends.
America and Freedom have lost one of her greatest champions.
….And I’ve lost one of my dearest friends and mentor.— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) 26 August 2018
John McCain was my friend. I will remember the good times. My family and I send prayers for Cindy and the McCain family.
- Sarah Palin and family pic.twitter.com/KRvcIQ99cA— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) 26 August 2018
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has released a statement calling Sen. John McCain a "giant," an "icon" and an "American hero."
McCain was elected to the U.S. Senate from Arizona six times.
Ducey says McCain was an American who will never be forgotten, and he was proud to call him a fellow Arizonan. The Republican governor says McCain's "spirit, service and fierce independence shaped the state with which he became synonymous."
Ducey recalled that the senator always fought for what he thought was right, even when it wasn't popular. He says McCain's "dogged patriotism and passion for country" made him an inspiration.
The governor added that he hopes McCain's legacy will continue to inspire Americans to build a future that would make him proud.
This evening, the @WhiteHouse flag has been lowered to half-staff in honor of Senator John McCain... pic.twitter.com/tYdBNK9bA7
— Dan Scavino Jr. (@Scavino45) August 26, 2018
My thoughts are with John McCain's family, friends, and colleagues. His passing is a loss for our country.
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) August 26, 2018
Senator John McCain was an American patriot and hero whose sacrifices for his country, and lifetime of public service, were an inspiration to millions. Canadians join Americans tonight in celebrating his life and mourning his passing.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) 26 August 2018
Australia has lost a friend.
America has lost a Patriot.
Democracy has lost a giant. ��������
Vale Senator John McCain— Marise Payne (@MarisePayne) August 26, 2018
John McCain was a giant of our time—not just for the things he achieved, but for who he was and what he fought for all his life. He will always be listed among freedom’s most gallant and faithful servants.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) 26 August 2018
