Senator McCain has left the country a farewell message to the country he loved. Here’s the full text.
My fellow Americans, whom I have gratefully served for sixty years, and especially my fellow Arizonans,
Thank you for the privilege of serving you and for the rewarding life that service in uniform and in public office has allowed me to lead. I have tried to serve our country honorably. I have made mistakes, but I hope my love for America will be weighed favorably against them.
I have often observed that I am the luckiest person on earth. I feel that way even now as I prepare for the end of my life. I have loved my life, all of it. I have had experiences, adventures and friendships enough for ten satisfying lives, and I am so thankful. Like most people, I have regrets. But I would not trade a day of my life, in good or bad times, for the best day of anyone else’s.
I owe that satisfaction to the love of my family. No man ever had a more loving wife or children he was prouder of than I am of mine. And I owe it to America. To be connected to America’s causes—liberty, equal justice, respect for the dignity of all people—brings happiness more sublime than life’s fleeting pleasures. Our identities and sense of worth are not circumscribed but enlarged by serving good causes bigger than ourselves.
’Fellow Americans’—that association has meant more to me than any other. I lived and died a proud American. We are citizens of the world’s greatest republic, a nation of ideals, not blood and soil. We are blessed and are a blessing to humanity when we uphold and advance those ideals at home and in the world. We have helped liberate more people from tyranny and poverty than ever before in history. We have acquired great wealth and power in the process.
We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down, when we doubt the power of our ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been.
We are three-hundred-and-twenty-five million opinionated vociferous individuals. We argue and compete and sometimes even vilify each other in our raucous public debates. But we have always had more in common with each other than in disagreement. If only we remember that and give each other the benefit of the presumption that we all love our country we will get through these challenging times. We will come through them stronger than before. We always do.
Ten years ago, I had the privilege to concede defeat in the election for president. I want to end my farewell to you with the heartfelt faith in Americans that I felt so powerfully that evening.
I feel it powerfully still.
Do not despair of our present difficulties but believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here. Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history.
Farewell, fellow Americans. God bless you, and God bless America.
And here is the emotional reading of that letter by McCain’s friend and the family spokesman, Rick Davis.
foodinbooks said:
Thank you for sharing this. He was a true American hero, a class act and a real-deal patriot. He will be greatly missed.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
As I said in my R.I.P. tribute, I may not have agreed with him politically most of the time, but I always respected him and never doubted his love for this country and its citizens. This letter he penned is further proof of what a true patriot he was.
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foodinbooks said:
Absolutely.
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I couldn’t agree with this statement more, Kim!💖🌺 U feel the same about the political views but have a deep respect for him and his patriotism.😊 May be rest in peace and prayers for the family and friends of this patriot.🎺🙏💖
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m just praying that this will all inspire at least some politicians to rethink their putting their political party first and the country second. I know that probably won’t happen, but I’m praying anyway.
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I’m praying with you, Book Sister! You are such an inspiration.😊💖
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Rylee said:
I’m not a Republican, but I feel he was one of the good ones and I felt better when he was around. sigh What a beautiful farewell message.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I absolutely agree Rylee, and this letter proves it.
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ksbeth said:
It was amazing
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A. Shepherdson said:
Within the last hour the BBC has said Trump will not attend John McCain’s funeral, the reason why is immaterial and I know only snippets of his political life, HOWEVER John is and was a Vietnam War iconic figure and war hero and that alone means his death is very different to the passing of any other politician (the US or the UK)……………… oh and what did Trump do in the War? I’ve read rumours he greased his way out of joining up!!!
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A. Shepherdson said:
Hmm I’ve just read an interesting story from The Daily Telegraph, Trump was medically exempted by the draft board for spurs, protrusions caused by calcium built up on the heel bone, however he didn’t have an operation for the problem………. 😀 it cleared up on its own?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yes, that’s why he’s called “President Bone Spurs” by so many.He received 5 deferments and has had the nerve to say he doesn’t consider McCain a hero because he was captured.🤬
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A. Shepherdson said:
😮 that’s why I love the political side of your blog, wow FIVE deferments……….. hmm I follow Trump stories and alas his democratic voting fan base will forgive & forgive 😦
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks for saying that Andrew. I’m sure your right about his base. During his campaign Trump boasted that he could shoot someone live on tv and his supporters would still vote for him. After almost two years into his presidency I’ve come to believe he’s right. They’re like lemmings following him over a cliff.😞
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I don’t think he would have attended the funeral regardless, but McCain made it clear that he’s not wanted. And it’s no wonder given the horrible things the Infant-in-Chief has said about him, even since McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer. And the pettiness and petulance Trump has displayed the last week: When announcing the new defense bill last week, he refused to acknowledge McCain whose name was on the bill; Although his staff crafted a statement acknowledging McCain’s heroism and service to America, Trump refused it and instead sent a curt tweet sending “thoughts and prayers” to the McCain family; Trump lowered the flag over the White House for 24 hours, but it was back at full staff this morning; and finally, in the past hour, after attacks from veterans groups and politicians from both sides of the aisle, Trump reluctantly had the flag lowered to half staff again and issued a more appropriate statement. I swear to God he has the mentality of a two-year-old!🤦🏻♀️
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A. Shepherdson said:
Politics is a filthy business, (just take a look at the BREXIT mess over here, I want to move to the US 😀 ), yes filthy but in all my years I haven’t come across any Politician who acts like a naughty three year old, his childish tantrums are amazing viewing and Twitter reading………….. shame those Hospital children couldn’t help him colour in the flag properly…… sad times Kim, keep smiling I’m trying to 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’re right Andrew. No matter where you live, politics can bring the worst out of us. And I know your wonderful country has been suffering its own political woes. That said, for the moment anyway, I would not recommend moving to the U.S. Right now our country is spiraling down into an abyss, and while I’m going to try to keep Senator McCain’s words in my heart, I honestly am fearful for our future.
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A. Shepherdson said:
🙂 I’m a positive person who has faith in human beings (we both do) , we live in great democracies and perhaps the young like two little people I know, will do better than us. Finger’s crossed.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
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Dr. Rex said:
Thank you for sharing … I was going to work on this now. You saved me the work!! LOL … reblogging, of course!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks for reblogging Dr. Rex. Honestly, this letter floored me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this before. It proves yet again how much he loved this country and its citizens.
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Dr. Rex said:
Thanks so much for sharing this post … I agree!! Even from death he inspires … aside from politics and ideology. This was a very much needed voice. I don’t think there’s anyone who can fill his shoes!!
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Dr. Rex said:
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Aside from politics and ideology … even in death, he continues to inspire!!
John McCain’s Farewell Letter ~ “I lived and died a proud American.”
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Teagan R. Geneviene said:
Thank you for sharing this, Kim. Hugs.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
As soon as I stopped crying after seeing Rick Davis read it, I knew I had to share it Teagan. This is something that will be remembered and go down in history, and I hope parents share it with their children.
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Teagan R. Geneviene said:
I may not have seen it if you hadn’t shared. Much appreciated.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m so glad I was able to share it with you Teagan.🤗
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Suze said:
I am reblogging this. what an incredible man he was. I have long admired him and this just makes me miss him more, and wish for others like him to take up the responsibility of governing well.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you for reblogging. It can’t be shared enough!
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Looking for the Light said:
I will miss you John for the man you are, your commitment to America and the fire in the belly to do the right thing. Prayers to Cindy and family.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Well said!
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Looking for the Light said:
🙂
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jennifertarheelreader said:
♥️ You said exactly how I feel in your opening, Kim.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m still floored by this Jennifer!
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jennifertarheelreader said:
Me, too, Kim. 😞 ♥️
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fragglerocking said:
Class and grace, something the 45th wouldn’t understand.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I don’t know if you guys have been following the news over the last few days regarding Trump’s behavior, but to everyone except his base he’s been showing his spiteful, pouting, petulant, infantile side. It’s been really embarrassing.
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fragglerocking said:
I can’t bear to watch him.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I don’t blame you Fraggle.😞
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Priyasha said:
Loved the post. 💖
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Priyasha.
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raistlin0903 said:
What a powerful text, and seriously amazing that someone can find the strength within himself to put that to paper. Thanks for sharing it Kim 😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I wasn’t a fan of McCain’s politics Michel, but this letter illustrates why he was admired and respected even by his opponents. Well, except for the orange infant who’s currently occupying the Oval Office.
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raistlin0903 said:
Hmm…I wouldn’t call him an infant. Infants have at least some kind of intelligence 😂😂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Good point my friend!🤔
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Lelia T said:
Sad days.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Did you see Meghan McCain weeping at her dads coffin? It broke my heart.😥
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Lelia T said:
Yes I did and my heart broke for her 😦
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Gronda Morin said:
Dear Kim,
I just watched the 8/30 services for Sen. John McCain where his words kept being echoed by others. VP Biden definitely channeled this hero when giving the eulogy. Senator McCain definitely lived life on his own terms, he did his way.
Hugs, Gronda
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I missed the memorial service, but I’ve been watching some of the key moments including Biden’s eulogy, which was wonderful. And I loved how they played Sinatra’s InDid it My Way. So appropriate!
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