Family, politicians remember Arizona icon John McCain 1 year after death

PHOENIX — Family, Arizona politicians and former colleagues in the U.S. Senate paid tribute Sunday to the man most known for being a war hero, maverick and statesman.

John McCain died on Aug. 25 last year after a yearlong battle with brain cancer. His 83rd birthday would have been Wednesday.

The former Republican senator from Arizona’s widow, Cindy, was interviewed by CNN and explained what she missed most about her husband.

“There are so many things I miss about him right now,” Cindy McCain said. “I think most of all was his voice of reason and his common sense. He exhibited that not only in his daily work life, but at home.”

She tweeted a tribute as well, again calling for political civility just days after asking for it in honor of her husband in an op-ed in the Washington Post.

365 days without you, John. America lost its most well-known Maverick and we lost our rock. Everyday, we celebrate and honor you by living out #ActsOfCivility

— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 25, 2019

One year ago today, America lost its most well-known Maverick. We are proud to remember and further his legacy of finding common ground, even when the odds are steep. To honor Sen. McCain, what #ActsOfCivility will you take to reach out to those you may disagree with? pic.twitter.com/LzkICmXynV

— McCain Institute (@McCainInstitute) August 25, 2019

McCain’s daughter, Meghan, tweeted Saturday that she was temporarily taking a break from social media in honor of her father.

She called the day of his death the “worst day of my life.”

On this anniversary until his birthday after the 29th I am going to take a break from social media. The memory of my father’s life continues to guide me today, as it always will. Remember to cherish your loved ones. I still can’t believe my heart didn’t stop when yours did, Dad.. pic.twitter.com/WLYlPZTm8c

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 24, 2019

Last year tomorrow, August 25th was the worst day of my life. I lost my hero. I miss my father every single day, I will for the rest of my life. Grief is omnipresent and relentless. For every single person who has sent prayers, love & support to my family, we are truly grateful pic.twitter.com/3kaPTTGJHf

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 24, 2019

Arizona’s top politicians also paid tribute to McCain.

Republican U.S. Sen. Martha McSally described McCain as a true patriot.

Today marks one year since America lost a true patriot in Senator John McCain. I’ll always remember him for his wisdom, selflessness, & incredible sense of humor. May we always honor his legacy. pic.twitter.com/3fwp8YGTzc

— Martha McSally (@SenMcSallyAZ) August 25, 2019

McSally’s likely challenger for Arizona’s open Senate spot in 2020, Democrat Mark Kelly, called McCain “a hero for young pilots like me.”

The first time I learned about John McCain was when I was in survival school in the Navy. He was a hero to young pilots like me. That first impression – that he’s someone who would put his service to his country above all else – never changed. pic.twitter.com/BCxf3SRUSk

— Mark Kelly (@ShuttleCDRKelly) August 25, 2019

Gov. Doug Ducey posted a series of tweets honoring McCain.

He called Arizona without McCain “like picturing Arizona without the Grand Canyon.”

Remembering #JohnMcCain –> One year ago, we witnessed that saying goodbye to this great man was not only a shared experience for our state, but for our country and the entire world. 1/ pic.twitter.com/8HrU7MZ6kX

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) August 25, 2019

More Arizona politicians also offered their memories of McCain.

Today we remember my friend Senator John McCain’s incredible legacy of service for the state we love. Sending love to @cindymccain, @MeghanMcCain, and the entire McCain family today.

— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) August 25, 2019

The anniversary of Sen. John McCain‘s passing reminds us of the hole that remains in the Senate and our nation. Here in Arizona, we must continue to build on his legacy. One way is by completing his passion project—restoring and activating the Rio Salado. https://t.co/j85l1YW3rI

— Greg Stanton (@gregstantonaz) August 25, 2019

Senator McCain was a model of true public service. He reached across the aisle & put party aside to find solutions to the problems facing our nation. Today, my thoughts are w/ Cindy & the entire family. Senator McCain will forever be remembered as a hero. https://t.co/PlQKxVUtK0

— Rep. Tom O’Halleran (@RepOHalleran) August 25, 2019

It’s been a year since we said farewell to an American Hero. Rest in Power Sen. John McCain. pic.twitter.com/9PvIc3JMDV

— Arizona House Democrats (@AZHouseDems) August 25, 2019

McCain, who spent 31 years as a senator and was known for his bipartisanship, received tributes from his former colleagues on his both sides of the aisle.

Joe Biden, the former senator from Delaware and a top Democratic candidate for president in 2020, spoke highly of McCain.

Biden was former President Barack Obama’s vice president when they defeated the Republican presidential nominee McCain in the 2008 election.

A year ago, we lost a true patriot, a hero, and to me—a friend. John McCain’s character, courage, and honor made him a giant among all of us. His deep, unshakeable belief in the soul of America and our values inspired us all and provided hope to the world. I miss him every day.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 25, 2019

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, also a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, called McCain a friend and an American hero.

A year ago today, we lost my friend John McCain. He was a combat veteran, a POW, a Congressman, a Senator, and a presidential candidate who reminded us that we can treat each other with civility and kindness, even when we disagree. He was truly an American hero.

— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) August 25, 2019

Fellow Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia said he would remember McCain for his courage and strength.

A year ago today, we lost a hero – my friend and Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain. We miss you, John. We will always remember your model of courage and strength. pic.twitter.com/NAhiTh2dtl

— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) August 25, 2019

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina commended McCain’s ability to work with politicians from both sides of the aisle.

His willingness to work across the aisle to solve hard problems should be an inspiration to all.

It’s been a tough year for the McCain clan but Cindy and the family are moving forward and making great differences in their own ways.

God bless the memory of Sen. John McCain.

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 25, 2019

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