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The late Senator John McCain, a war hero and political icon, left a lasting impact on the United States and its people. When he passed away in 2018, several prominent figures paid tribute to him by giving heartfelt eulogies. In this article, we explore who had the honor of delivering these eulogies, detailing the significance behind them and providing examples of the moving words they shared.
John McCain's Memorial Services
John McCain's passing resulted in a series of memorial services, where his life and legacy were celebrated. The three main services were held in Arizona, Washington D.C., and at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
North Phoenix Baptist Church Service
In Arizona, a service was held at the North Phoenix Baptist Church. At this service, two individuals who were particularly close to McCain provided touching eulogies:
- Joseph Biden: The former Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden, was a close friend to John McCain. Biden's eulogy emphasized their bipartisan friendship and recounted stories of their time together in the Senate. He described McCain as a man who always put his country before himself, and someone who refused to let personal and political differences divide them.
- Larry Fitzgerald: An unlikely friendship, Larry Fitzgerald, a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, had a unique bond with McCain. Fitzgerald's eulogy emphasized that what brought them together transcended race, age, and occupation, and touched on the order of values in McCain's life – country, family, and faith.
Washington National Cathedral Service
In Washington D.C., a service was held at the beautiful and historic National Cathedral. Here, multiple prominent figures from various backgrounds gave powerful eulogies:
- Henry Kissinger: The former U.S. Secretary of State, Kissinger's eulogy focused on John McCain's unwavering dedication to the principles of freedom, justice, and human dignity. He lauded McCain as a man who faced adversity with courage and determination, citing McCain's time as a POW in Vietnam.
- George W. Bush: The 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush's eulogy was a touching tribute that emphasized the humor, kindness, and strength of character McCain exhibited throughout his life. Bush revealed that although they had their disagreements politically, they formed a deep friendship over the years.
- Barack Obama: The 44th President of the United States, Obama's eulogy celebrated McCain's unwavering commitment to the American ideal. Obama detailed how their political rivalry transformed into respect, as he grew to appreciate the fairness, honesty, and honorable nature of McCain.
U.S. Naval Academy Service
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At the Annapolis service, the eulogy was delivered by a fellow Naval officer and longtime friend of McCain:
- Warren W. "Bud" Graham: A retired U.S. Navy captain and one of McCain's classmates at the Naval Academy, Graham's eulogy summarized their relationship and McCain's impact on his fellow Navy colleagues. Graham drew from personal experiences to highlight the grit, determination, and bravery that defined McCain throughout his life.
Who Gave John Mccain Eulogy Example:
One poignant excerpt from Barack Obama's eulogy at the Washington National Cathedral service is as follows:
"So much of our politics, our public life, our public discourse can seem small and mean and petty, trafficking in bombast and insult and phony controversies and manufactured outrage. It's a politics that pretends to be brave and tough, but in fact is born of fear. John called on us to be bigger than that. He called on us to be better than that."
The tributes given at John McCain's memorial services are a testament to his dedication to his country, his unwavering values, and his ability to form deep and meaningful relationships. These eulogies highlight the life of an extraordinary individual whose impact will continue to be felt long after his passing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who delivered John McCain's eulogy?
Senator John McCain's eulogy was delivered by several influential figures, including former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, as well as Meghan McCain, Senator McCain's daughter.
What were some key themes of the eulogies given for John McCain?
Key themes in John McCain's eulogies included his commitment to bipartisanship, his service and sacrifice for his country, his moral courage, and his belief in American values and democracy.
Where was John McCain's funeral service held?
John McCain's funeral service was held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Did President Donald Trump attend John McCain's funeral?
No, President Donald Trump did not attend the funeral. The McCain family had made it clear before the event that President Trump was not invited.
How did the speakers at McCain’s funeral address his military service?
Speakers at McCain’s funeral prominently acknowledged his military service, particularly his time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, speaking to his bravery, resilience, and sacrifice.
Were international figures present at John McCain's funeral?
Yes, several international figures and dignitaries attended John McCain’s funeral, reflecting his impact on global politics and his work in foreign relations.
Did John McCain have a role in planning his own funeral?
Yes, John McCain was involved in the planning of his own funeral, indicating his specific wishes for how the service should be conducted and who he wanted to speak.
What message did Meghan McCain give in her eulogy?
In her eulogy, Meghan McCain praised her father's character and legacy, while also delivering a strong message about American ideals and implicitly criticizing the divisive politics of the time.
How did the eulogies reflect John McCain's political career?
The eulogies reflected John McCain's political career by discussing his dedication to public service, his maverick personality, his willingness to reach across the aisle, and his passion for certain issues like campaign finance reform and national security.
Were any former political opponents present at the service?
Yes, many of McCain's former political opponents, including those he ran against in political campaigns, attended the service as a mark of respect.
Why was the presence of former Presidents notable at McCain's funeral?
The presence of former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush was notable as they both had contentious battles with McCain during their respective campaigns, yet were personally requested by McCain to speak at his funeral, illustrating McCain's commitment to unity and bipartisanship.
Did the eulogies touch on McCain's time as a prisoner of war?
Yes, the eulogies consistently paid homage to McCain's time as a prisoner of war, using it to exemplify his courage and patriotism.
How did John McCain's funeral reflect bipartisan respect?
John McCain's funeral was a display of bipartisan respect, with figures from both sides of the political spectrum coming together to honor his legacy and contributions to the nation.
Did John McCain's eulogy address his views on American leadership?
Indeed, the eulogies highlighted McCain’s views on American leadership, especially noting his belief in America playing a strong and principled role in international affairs.
What did George W. Bush say about John McCain in his eulogy?
Former President George W. Bush spoke of McCain’s bravery, loyalty, and conviction in his eulogy, emphasizing McCain's love for the U.S. and his dedication to serving others before himself.
How did the funeral attendees represent McCain's life and career?
The funeral attendees encompassed a diverse range of individuals from different sectors, including politics, military, and international figures, all of whom represented the broad impact of McCain's life and career on a global scale.
Was there a military presence at John McCain's funeral?
Yes, there was a significant military presence at John McCain’s funeral, fitting for someone who had not only served in the Navy but had also been a strong advocate for the armed forces throughout his political career.
How were John McCain’s maverick tendencies mentioned in the eulogies?
John McCain’s maverick tendencies were frequently cited in the eulogies as speakers recounted stories in which he broke from party lines to act according to his conscience and what he felt was best for the country.
What legacy did the speakers hope John McCain would leave behind?
The speakers hoped that John McCain’s legacy would be one of patriotic service, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing the American principles of freedom and democracy.
How did the mood of John McCain's funeral contrast with other state funerals?
John McCain’s funeral had moments of solemnity, reflection, and poignancy, but it was also marked by candid tributes and a spirit of bipartisan camaraderie that may have contrasted with the more formal tone of other state funerals.
Did John McCain receive any posthumous accolades or recognitions?
John McCain received numerous posthumous accolades and recognitions from various organizations and governments, as well as a collective wave of tributes from individuals across the political spectrum and civil society.
Share this article to celebrate the life and legacy of John McCain, and to explore the powerful words spoken by those who loved and respected him. For more articles on eulogies and guidance on eulogy writing, explore Eulogy Assistant's resources and tools to help you craft the perfect tribute to your loved one.