From former presidents to professional athletes, those honoring the late Sen. John McCain this week transcend political parties and professions.
McCain was 81 when he died on August 25 following a year-long struggle with brain cancer. He had served in the U.S. Senate since 1987; before that, he served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War, becoming a prisoner of war for several years.
In a farewell message released after his death, McCain encouraged the country not to “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,” McCain said.
Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush are expected to deliver remarks during a Saturday service for McCain in Washington, D.C.
President Trump is not expected to attend any of the services. And former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who served as McCain’s running mate in 2008, was reportedly not invited either.
