In a powerful display of unity and respect, former President Barack Obama was asked to deliver the eulogy at Senator John McCain's funeral on September 1, 2018. This touching tribute by Obama honours McCain's life, dedication to the country, and demonstrates the importance of remembering and respecting shared values, even in the face of political differences.
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Senator John McCain's Funeral
American Senator and war hero, John McCain passed away on August 25, 2018, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. To honor his life and achievements, a series of memorial services were held over the course of several days. The events took place in Arizona, the state McCain had represented in the Senate for over 30 years, and in Washington, D.C., where he had worked tirelessly to serve the United States.
Inviting Obama to Speak at the Funeral
Before his passing, John McCain personally requested that his one-time political rival, Barack Obama, deliver a eulogy at his funeral. It was a clear testament to the mutual respect they both shared, despite their contrasting views and allegiances.
- Obama and McCain had faced each other in the 2008 Presidential Election, with Obama eventually emerging victorious.
- Even though they disagreed on numerous issues, they shared a belief in upholding the integrity, dignity, and decency in American politics.
- Both men were consistent in their commitment to serve their country and their shared values were at the core of this request.
The Eulogy: Honoring John McCain's Life and Legacy
On September 1, 2018, a memorial service was held at the Washington National Cathedral, attended by politicians, dignitaries, and the public alike. Barack Obama took to the podium to commemorate the life and legacy of Senator John McCain, alongside former President George W. Bush, members of McCain's family, and other longstanding friends and colleagues.
Themes of Unity and Bipartisanship
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Throughout his eulogy, Obama emphasized the importance of unity, bipartisanship, and the ability to respect your opponents, despite political disagreements. Some key aspects of the speech included:
- Obama acknowledged their differences but emphasized their common goal of building a better America.
- He praised McCain's dedication to the country, placing principles above politics.
- Obama highlighted McCain's unwavering belief in the American people and the values they represent.
A Potential Lesson for Today's Politicians
The sincere and touching eulogy for John McCain from Barack Obama serves as a reminder that political adversaries can still maintain a shared respect and focus on the greater good of the nation. In an era of political division, it encourages a reevaluation of how we currently discuss and tackle the challenges facing our society.
What Day Does Obama Give John Mccain's Eulogy Example:
Here is a snippet from Barack Obama's eulogy for John McCain at the Washington National Cathedral on September 1, 2018:
"[John McCain] understood that if we get in the habit of bending the truth to suit political expediency, or party orthodoxy, our democracy will not work. That's why he was willing to buck his own party at times, occasionally work across the aisle on campaign finance reform and immigration reform. That's why he championed a free and independent press as vital to our democratic debate."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was John McCain?
John McCain was a prominent American politician who served as the senior United States Senator from Arizona from 1987 until his death in 2018. He was the Republican Party nominee for President of the United States in the 2008 election, which he lost to Barack Obama. McCain was also a celebrated Vietnam War veteran and a former prisoner of war.
Why is Barack Obama giving a eulogy at John McCain's funeral?
Barack Obama was asked by Senator John McCain himself to give a eulogy at his funeral. Despite their political differences, the two shared a mutual respect and camaraderie that transcended partisan lines. McCain's request for Obama to speak is seen as a powerful message of unity.
When did John McCain pass away?
John McCain passed away on August 25, 2018, after battling a form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma.
Where did John McCain's funeral service take place?
John McCain's funeral service took place at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
What day did Barack Obama give John McCain's eulogy?
Barack Obama delivered John McCain's eulogy on September 1, 2018, during the funeral service.
What did Obama talk about in McCain's eulogy?
In his eulogy, Barack Obama highlighted John McCain's dedication to American ideals, his willingness to bridge political divides and his service to the nation both as a soldier and a public servant. Obama also spoke of McCain's integrity and his belief in America's capacity to progress.
Did any other former presidents speak at the funeral?
Yes, along with Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, who competed against McCain in the 2000 Republican primary, also delivered a eulogy at the funeral service.
Was President Donald Trump present at McCain's funeral?
No, President Donald Trump was not present at John McCain's funeral. It was widely reported that McCain had expressly requested that Trump not attend.
How did the public react to Obama's eulogy?
The public reaction to Obama's eulogy was largely positive, with many people praising the speech for its heartfelt tribute to McCain and its call for unity and bipartisanship in a time of political division.
Were there any notable moments from the funeral that went viral on social media?
Yes, there were several moments that went viral, including a touching moment when Meghan McCain, John McCain's daughter, became emotional during her own tribute, and the moment when Obama and Bush's eulogies appeared to subtly rebuke the current political climate.
What role did McCain's military service play in the funeral proceedings?
John McCain's military service and time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam were central themes in the funeral service. His commitment to his country and the sacrifices he made were honored by military pallbearers and the presence of numerous military officials.
How has John McCain been memorialized since his passing?
Since his passing, John McCain has been memorialized in numerous ways, including the renaming of the Senate Armed Services Committee room and the USS John S. McCain. His life and service continue to be celebrated through various public memorials, tributes, and bipartisan acknowledgments of his impact on American politics.
What did John McCain achieve during his political career?
John McCain's political career was marked by his efforts in campaign finance reform, his advocacy for veterans' rights, his work in foreign policy, and his support for the military. He was also known for his maverick attitude, frequently working across party lines on various bipartisan efforts.
What was the significance of the musical choices at the funeral?
The music selected for John McCain's funeral held personal significance to the McCain family and reflected the senator's tastes and values. The chosen hymns and patriotic songs underscored themes of faith, country, and service, which were core to McCain's life and legacy.
Did any other notable political figures attend McCain's funeral?
Yes, the funeral was attended by many notable political figures from both sides of the aisle, including past presidents, senators, congresspeople, and members of the diplomatic corps, signifying the far-reaching respect for McCain's contributions to the nation.
What message did McCain's choice of eulogizers send?
By choosing both Obama and Bush to eulogize him, McCain sent a powerful bipartisan message, emphasizing the importance of reaching across the aisle and putting country over party, which was a recurrent theme throughout his career.
Were there representatives from the Armed Forces at the funeral?
Yes, representatives from various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces participated in the funeral to honor McCain's military service and his advocacy for veterans and current service members throughout his career.
How can people learn more about John McCain's life and legacy?
Those interested in learning more about John McCain's life and legacy can visit the McCain Institute's website, read his memoirs, watch documentaries, and visit exhibits dedicated to his life and service.
What were the main themes of the other eulogies at McCain's funeral?
The main themes of other eulogies at McCain's funeral included his courage, honor, and commitment to public service. They also touched on his sense of humor, his tendency to speak his mind, and his capacity to form deep and lasting friendships across political divides.
Has the relationship between Obama and McCain's family continued after the funeral?
While the private nature of their relationship makes it difficult to fully assess, public appearances and statements suggest that the mutual respect between Obama and the McCain family continues, as evidenced through interactions including various public commemorations and statements.
What values of John McCain's are particularly championed in today's political discourse?
John McCain's values of bipartisanship, integrity, and principled leadership are often championed as a standard for today's political environment, which frequently seems divided and contentious. Leaders from both parties occasionally invoke his legacy when calling for a return to civility and cooperation in governance.
The powerful eulogy Barack Obama gave for John McCain serves as a reminder that unity and respect can transcend political differences. As you honour the life of your loved one, let Eulogy Assistant help you craft a heartfelt tribute that celebrates their unique contribution to the world. Explore our other guides to find inspiration, learn eulogy writing tips, and discover what makes a meaningful and engaging eulogy. Together, let's celebrate the lives of those who have made a difference, regardless of the beliefs that may have divided us.