The eulogy delivered by former President Barack Obama at Senator John McCain's memorial service is an excellent example of how to honor and respect a person who has passed away. This article will discuss the circumstances leading to Obama's heartfelt speech, the important elements of the eulogy, and how you can apply similar techniques when writing your own eulogy or funeral speech.
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Table of Contents
The Background of McCain and Obama's Relationship
Although John McCain and Barack Obama were political opponents, they also shared a mutual respect for each other. McCain was a Republican Senator from Arizona, while Obama is a Democrat and served as the 44th President of the United States. In 2008, they ran against each other in the presidential election, but despite their political differences, they maintained a friendly relationship.
Why Obama was Chosen to Deliver the Eulogy
In a surprising move, Senator McCain personally requested that President Obama deliver the eulogy at his funeral. This decision showcases McCain's ability to put partisan differences aside and recognize the value of uniting people during such a solemn occasion. By choosing Obama, McCain demonstrated his commitment to bipartisanship and the importance of working together for the greater good, even in death.
Important Elements of Obama's Eulogy
When crafting a eulogy or funeral speech, it is essential to focus on the positive aspects of the deceased's life and the impact they had on others. President Obama's eulogy for Senator McCain contained several significant elements that helped create a memorable and heartfelt tribute.
Honoring the Deceased's Accomplishments and Character
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Obama spoke highly of McCain's public service and the sacrifices he made for the country, including his time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He also discussed the Senator's dedication to the American ideal and his commitment to fighting for what he believed in. By highlighting these attributes, Obama painted a picture of a man who was both strong and principled.
Incorporating Personal Anecdotes
Sharing personal stories about the deceased can help humanize them and provide insight into their character. In his eulogy, Obama recounted moments he had shared with McCain, such as their private meetings in the Oval Office and their joint appearances at events. These anecdotes provided a glimpse into the person behind the public figure, making the eulogy more personal and relatable.
Addressing the Deceased's Legacy
Obama also emphasized the impact McCain had on the country and discussed how the Senator's legacy would live on through his family, friends, and colleagues. By doing so, the former president reassured the audience that McCain's influence would continue to shape the nation long after his passing.
When Wil Obama Delivery Eulogy Of Mccain Example:
In his eulogy for Senator John McCain, President Barack Obama said, "We come to celebrate an extraordinary man, a warrior, a statesman, a patriot who embodied so much that is best in America."
When discussing their relationship, Obama told the audience, "We'd talk about policy, and we'd talk about family, and we'd talk about the state of our politics. And our disagreements didn't go away during these private conversations. Those were real, they were often deep. But we enjoyed the time we shared away from the bright lights."
In conclusion, President Obama's eulogy for Senator McCain is an excellent example of how to craft a heartfelt and compelling funeral speech that honors the deceased's accomplishments and character, incorporates personal anecdotes, and emphasizes their legacy. When writing a eulogy or funeral speech, it's essential to approach the task with empathy, sincerity, and a focus on the positive aspects of the person's life. By doing so, you will create a tribute that celebrates their memory and provides comfort to those who are grieving.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did Barack Obama deliver the eulogy for John McCain?
Barack Obama delivered a eulogy for John McCain during a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral on September 1, 2018, after Senator McCain passed away on August 25 from brain cancer.
What was the focus of Obama's eulogy for McCain?
The focus of Obama's eulogy for McCain was on the Senator's commitment to principles, his patriotism, bipartisanship, and the sense of common purpose he shared despite political differences.
How did Presidents Obama and McCain interact before the eulogy?
Presidents Obama and McCain had a respectful rivalry, having competed against each other in the 2008 presidential election. Their relationship was marked by mutual respect and a shared dedication to public service, despite their political differences.
Did John McCain request Obama to deliver the eulogy?
Yes, it was reported that Senator John McCain personally requested that former President Barack Obama deliver a eulogy at his funeral.
What was the significance of Obama's presence at McCain's funeral?
Obama's presence at McCain's funeral symbolized the possibility for political figures to rise above partisan politics and come together to honor an individual's commitment to service. It demonstrated unity and respect across party lines.
What themes did Obama highlight in his eulogy?
In the eulogy, Obama highlighted themes of courage, honor, and the importance of upholding American values. He also emphasized the need for unity and the importance of a political culture grounded in mutual respect and civility.
Did Obama and McCain collaborate on any significant projects?
While they were on opposite sides of the political spectrum, Obama and McCain did work together on several legislative initiatives, including campaign finance reform and addressing climate change, among other issues.
Have any other former U.S. Presidents delivered eulogies at a Senator's funeral?
Yes, it is not uncommon for former Presidents to deliver eulogies at the funerals of notable U.S. Senators and other high-profile public figures as a show of national respect and honor.
How did the public react to Obama's eulogy?
The public's reaction to Obama's eulogy was widely positive, with many people expressing appreciation for Obama's heartfelt words and his ability to convey a message of togetherness in times of division.
What personal anecdotes did Obama share about McCain in the eulogy?
Obama shared several personal anecdotes in his eulogy, reminiscing about their political battles and debates but also about their shared experiences and mutual respect. He discussed their differences in political ideology while underscoring what they had in common.
How did Obama address the current political climate in his eulogy?
Without directly naming any individuals or parties, Obama addressed the current political climate by calling for a return to the values that McCain exemplified, such as respect, integrity, and civility in public discourse.
Was the McCain family involved in the planning of the eulogy?
Yes, the McCain family was heavily involved in the planning of the memorial service, including the selection of speakers. McCain's wishes, which included having Obama speak, were honored and facilitated by his family.
What message did Obama convey about bipartisanship?
Obama conveyed a strong message of bipartisanship in his eulogy, emphasizing that despite political differences, Americans share more commonalities than divides them and should work together for the common good.
How did Obama's eulogy compare to those given by others at McCain's funeral?
While each eulogy was unique, Obama's speech was notable for its emphasis on unity, bipartisanship, and the larger American ideals that McCain defended throughout his career. It complemented other tributes that focused on McCain's character and contributions.
What impact did Obama's eulogy have on McCain's legacy?
Obama's eulogy contributed to cementing McCain's legacy as a principled leader who could transcend party lines for the sake of the country. It reinforced the narrative of McCain as a man of integrity and a dedicated public servant.
Did Obama discuss any of McCain's legislative accomplishments?
While not focusing on specific legislation, Obama did reference McCain's long career in public service and his willingness to work across the aisle to get things done, a quality that brought about many legislative accomplishments.
What did Obama say about McCain's time as a prisoner of war?
Obama honored McCain's time as a prisoner of war, emphasizing his sacrifice and resilience during those years. He spoke of McCain's choice to endure captivity longer in solidarity with his fellow prisoners, highlighting his character and heroism.
Why was Obama's eulogy an important symbol of unity?
Obama's eulogy became an important symbol of unity as it represented bipartisan respect at a time of great political division. His appearance and speech acted as a reminder of the potential for collaboration and respect beyond political affiliations.
What does McCain's choice of Obama as a eulogist reveal about their relationship?
McCain's choice of Obama as a eulogist highlights the deep mutual respect they had for one another. Despite their political battles, they each recognized in the other a commitment to serving the United States with honor.
Has Obama delivered eulogies for other notable figures?
Yes, Obama has delivered eulogies for several other notable figures during his time as president and afterwards, including civil rights icon John Lewis, Senator Edward Kennedy, former Israeli President Shimon Peres, and South African leader Nelson Mandela.
What can we learn from the content of Obama's eulogy for McCain?
From Obama's eulogy for McCain, we learn the value of having principles, the importance of integrity and sacrifice in public service, and that despite our differences, there is always room for respectful dialogue and coming together for the common good.
We hope this analysis of President Obama's eulogy for Senator John McCain has inspired you and provided insight into the process of writing a memorable tribute. If you are looking for more guidance, explore our other resources on Eulogy Assistant and share this article with others who may find it helpful.