The passing of a prominent figure often leaves the world in deep mourning. The death of Senator John McCain, a celebrated veteran, and politician, left people in the United States and beyond reflecting on his life, values, and service. During his funeral, many eagerly anticipated who would deliver the eulogy, bringing his life's story to the forefront of people's minds. In this article, we will unravel the key figures who gave moving eulogies during McCain's funeral, the significance of their orations, and the legacy they helped memorialize.
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The Funeral of John McCain
Senator John McCain was a decorated war hero and influential political figure who served six terms in the U.S. Senate. He passed away on August 25, 2018, after battling glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. His funeral was held at the Washington National Cathedral on September 1, 2018, and was attended by former U.S. Presidents, world leaders, and numerous other dignitaries.
The Eulogists at John McCain's Funeral
Three highly esteemed individuals were chosen to give eulogies honoring the life and legacy of John McCain. Each speaker represented a significant aspect of McCain's life and illuminated the values he held dear. These powerful orators were:
1. Meghan McCain
The late Senator's daughter, Meghan McCain, delivered an emotional and powerful tribute to her father. As a television host and author, she shared personal anecdotes and portrayed her father as a loving and dedicated family man. Her heartfelt words touched on his humility, humor, and staunch belief in American values. Meghan's eulogy displayed her love and admiration for her father and gave the audience an intimate glimpse of the man behind the public persona.
2. Joe Lieberman
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Former Senator Joe Lieberman was a dear friend and longtime colleague of John McCain. Their friendship transcended political differences and exemplified the importance of bipartisanship in the U.S. government. Lieberman's eulogy highlighted McCain's unwavering commitment to his country, his penchant for taking on challenges, and his belief in unity above all else. Through anecdotes of their time spent together, Lieberman's eulogy painted a vivid picture of McCain's character and the values they both shared.
3. George W. Bush and Barack Obama
Two former U.S. Presidents, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, both of whom had close personal and professional relationships with John McCain, also delivered eulogies. Though they were once political opponents, they spoke of McCain's ability to find common ground and work across party lines for the greater good. They honored his legacy as a dedicated public servant, a man of integrity, and a true American hero.
Reflections on John McCain's Life and Legacy
The eulogists at John McCain's funeral collectively emphasized his devotion to his country, his capacity for building bridges across political divides, and his indomitable spirit. These tributes served to emphasize his character and his contributions to American politics.
- McCain's career showcased his commitment to national service, both during and after his time as a Navy pilot.
- His engagement in prisoner-of-war advocacy underscored his personal understanding of the importance of sacrifice for one's country.
- McCain's ability to foster relationships across the political spectrum demonstrated a belief in unity and compromise.
Who Is Doing The Eulogy At Macains Funeral Example:
Full video the Washington National Cathedral service with eulogies of Meghan McCain, Joe Lieberman, George W. Bush and Barack Obama can be found at: https://youtu.be/Jo95Es55Jlw
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a eulogy?
A eulogy is a speech given at a memorial service that pays tribute to the deceased, celebrating their life and legacy. It is often delivered by someone who was close to the individual and can share personal stories and insights into their character and accomplishments.
Why is the eulogy at Senator McCain's funeral receiving significant attention?
Senator John McCain was a prominent figure in American politics, known for his military service and time as a POW during the Vietnam War, as well as his tenure in the U.S. Senate. The choice of eulogist, therefore, holds particular importance and interest, reflecting McCain's relationships and impact on the nation.
Who was chosen to deliver the eulogy for Senator McCain?
The eulogies for Senator McCain's funeral were delivered by several individuals including former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, as well as McCain's daughter Meghan McCain. Each eulogist reflected on their unique relationships and experiences with the Senator.
What are the criterion usually considered for choosing a eulogist?
Typically, a eulogist is someone who was close to the deceased and is able to provide a heartfelt and personal insight into their life. The person should ideally be a good public speaker and able to remain composed while delivering the tribute.
Can more than one person deliver a eulogy?
Yes, it is not uncommon for multiple people to share the responsibility of delivering a eulogy, especially during funerals for individuals who had a broad impact or touched many lives. Each speaker can offer a different perspective on the life and legacy of the deceased.
Why were former Presidents chosen to speak at McCain's funeral?
Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush both competed against Senator McCain in presidential campaigns. Their selection as eulogists reflects McCain's ability to forge bipartisan relationships and his emphasis on putting service to the nation above political rivalries.
Did Senator McCain have any say in who would deliver his eulogy?
Yes, Senator McCain was involved in the planning of his own funeral arrangements, including the selection of eulogists. His choices reflected his lifelong commitments and values.
What can be expected from Meghan McCain's eulogy?
As Senator McCain's daughter, Meghan McCain's eulogy was expected to be a deeply personal reflection on her father's character, their family life, and his influence as a parent and public figure.
Is it traditional for politicians to have other politicians deliver their eulogies?
While not a firm tradition, it is relatively common for politicians to have colleagues, both allies and adversaries, deliver their eulogies to highlight the relationships formed across political lines and the impact they've had on public service.
How do eulogies differ from obituaries?
Eulogies are oral tributes given during a funeral service that are more personal and anecdotal, whereas obituaries are written summaries of a person's life, career, and surviving family members, usually published in newspapers and online.
What role do eulogies play in the grieving process?
Eulogies can provide comfort and a sense of closure to those grieving by sharing cherished memories and celebrating the life of the deceased. They help by acknowledging the loss and the individual's legacy, which can be a step toward healing.
Are eulogies always positive?
While eulogies tend to focus on the positive aspects of a person's life, they may also acknowledge the complexities and challenges the individual faced. A genuine eulogy aims to paint a balanced, respectful picture of the person's character and experiences.
How long are eulogies typically?
Eulogies generally last anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, but the length can vary depending on cultural practices, the setting, and the number of speakers. The key is to deliver a meaningful tribute within an appropriate amount of time.
Can a eulogy be delivered by someone outside the deceased's family?
Absolutely. Friends, colleagues, or even admirers who were significantly impacted by the deceased can deliver eulogies. The most important aspect is the personal connection and understanding of the person's life and values.
What makes a eulogy memorable?
A memorable eulogy is one that is sincere, heartfelt, and captures the essence of the deceased's life. It includes personal stories, reflects on their impact on others, and speaks to the values and legacy they leave behind.
Are there any specific formats or structures that eulogies should follow?
While there is no strict format, a good eulogy often starts by acknowledging the loss, then moves into sharing stories and memories, reflects on the deceased's qualities and impact, and ends with a closing that offers comfort and hope.
How does one prepare to deliver a eulogy?
To prepare for delivering a eulogy, individuals often reflect on their relationship with the deceased, gather stories and memories, and write down key points they wish to convey. It is also advised to practice the eulogy to help with delivery and to manage emotions.
Is it appropriate to include humor in a eulogy?
Yes, when done tastefully and considerately, humor can be a heartwarming addition to a eulogy. It can bring a smile to attendees' faces and can humanize and celebrate the deceased's personality in a unique way.
What if a chosen eulogist is too overcome with grief to speak?
It is not uncommon for emotions to overwhelm an individual who has been chosen to deliver a eulogy. Having a backup person who can step in or simply taking a moment to gather one's composure are ways to manage this potential situation.
How can someone who is not attending McCain's funeral learn about the eulogies delivered?
For prominent figures like Senator McCain, media outlets typically provide coverage of the funeral services and may publish the eulogies online. Additionally, live-streaming or recorded videos may be available for viewing at a later time.
Can a eulogy serve as a historical record?
Eulogies can contribute to the historical record by capturing personal reflections and narratives about an individual's life and times. They not only speak to familial and personal history but can also offer insights into social and political history.
In the wake of Senator John McCain's passing, the chosen eulogists offered insights into the life of a man whose dedication to his nation, belief in unity, and indomitable spirit were integral aspects of his character. These moving eulogies allowed the world to pay their respects, learn from the experiences of those who knew him best, and reflect on the values he championed. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to share it and explore other guides on Eulogy Assistant for further insights into the art of eulogy giving.