News Detail
John McCain '54: 1936 - 2018
The Hon. Sen. John Sidney McCain III ’54 died Saturday, August 25, 2018. He was 81.
UPDATE 9/8: A page collecting additional information for a longer-term purpose on the EHS website has been created, including much of the information below and links to broadcasts of Sen. McCain's memorial services, at episcopalhighschool.org/mccain.
UPDATE 9/4: At Opening Vespers held on September 3, Head of School Charley Stillwell spoke on the legacy of Sen. McCain and "The Lessons of a Full and Remarkable Life." (PDF)
(Updated 8/28, 10:28 a.m. ET) The Navy pilot and Vietnam War veteran who spent more than five years as a prisoner of war began his career as a public servant when elected as a U.S. Congressman from Arizona in 1982. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986 and served in that role for the remainder of his life. Senator McCain twice ran for President of the United States, first losing in the Republican primaries to George W. Bush in 2000, and then to Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.
He is survived by his wife Cindy; daughters Sidney, Meghan and Bridget; sons Jimmy, Jack, Doug and Andy, and several grandchildren.
On Sunday, his family released the details of his memorial service, which will take place for five days this week in three different cities, additional details for which are available at JohnMcCain.com. On Wednesday, August 29, he will lie in state at the Arizona State Capitol. On Thursday, he will be moved to the North Phoenix Baptist Church for a memorial service celebrating his life and legacy beginning at approximately 10 a.m. PT. On Friday, he will lie in state at the United States Capitol. A formal ceremony celebrating his life and service will begin at 11 a.m. and will be broadcast live. He will lie in state at the Capitol for the remainder of the day. On Saturday, a mass service for invited guests will be held at the National Cathedral. At approximately 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, a private memorial service will be held at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. A private burial will be held in the academy's cemetery following the service.
“This country has lost one of our great public servants,” said Head of School Charley Stillwell, “and our school family has lost one of our most inspirational examples of the intellectual and moral courage our school’s mission calls on us to develop in each of our graduates. Whether in overcoming the challenges of his captivity in Hanoi or passionately pursuing in the Senate policies to strengthen the country, Sen. McCain has given all of us powerful lessons in what living an honorable life can mean.”
As a three-year student at Episcopal, Senator McCain was a talented athlete who played football, wrestling, and tennis. As a senior, he wrestled in the 127-pound weight class and held the record for “fastest pin” for two years. He also served on the staff of The Chronicle (newspaper) and Whispers (yearbook), Dramatics Club, E Club, Missionary Society, and Blackford Literary Society, among others.
At the time, the student body was 240 boys and 22 faculty members, and the annual tuition was $1,400. The School observed a Sunday and Monday weekend, rather than Saturday and Sunday.
The EHS Honor Code, which is one of the oldest among secondary schools, was as important to student life in the 1950s as it is today. When asked what about his Episcopal experience had the greatest impact on his life, the Senator once responded in a visit to the School community in 2008, “My exposure to the Honor Code, which has guided me throughout my life.” (Full transcript of McCain's 2008 speech at Episcopal High School available here.)
Senator McCain kept close ties to the School over the decades. In “Faith of My Fathers,” a memoir published in 1999, the Senator described fond memories of his years at Episcopal and the confidence he gained from his experience and teachers, particularly English teacher William B. Ravenel, about whom he wrote: “Were William B. Ravenel the only person I remember from high school, I would credit those days as among the best of my life.”
In 1987, the Senator received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 2001, the School presented Senator McCain with the Phillips Integrity in Action Award, “recognizing his life of service, which epitomizes the highest ideals of honor and integrity – values that are at the core of Episcopal High School,” then-Headmaster Rob Hershey wrote at the time.
A SAMPLE OF MEDIA LINKS REMEMBERING SEN. McCAIN:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND THINKPIECES:
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UPDATE 9/4: At Opening Vespers held on September 3, Head of School Charley Stillwell spoke on the legacy of Sen. McCain and "The Lessons of a Full and Remarkable Life." (PDF)
(Updated 8/28, 10:28 a.m. ET) The Navy pilot and Vietnam War veteran who spent more than five years as a prisoner of war began his career as a public servant when elected as a U.S. Congressman from Arizona in 1982. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986 and served in that role for the remainder of his life. Senator McCain twice ran for President of the United States, first losing in the Republican primaries to George W. Bush in 2000, and then to Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.
He is survived by his wife Cindy; daughters Sidney, Meghan and Bridget; sons Jimmy, Jack, Doug and Andy, and several grandchildren.
On Sunday, his family released the details of his memorial service, which will take place for five days this week in three different cities, additional details for which are available at JohnMcCain.com. On Wednesday, August 29, he will lie in state at the Arizona State Capitol. On Thursday, he will be moved to the North Phoenix Baptist Church for a memorial service celebrating his life and legacy beginning at approximately 10 a.m. PT. On Friday, he will lie in state at the United States Capitol. A formal ceremony celebrating his life and service will begin at 11 a.m. and will be broadcast live. He will lie in state at the Capitol for the remainder of the day. On Saturday, a mass service for invited guests will be held at the National Cathedral. At approximately 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, a private memorial service will be held at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. A private burial will be held in the academy's cemetery following the service.
“This country has lost one of our great public servants,” said Head of School Charley Stillwell, “and our school family has lost one of our most inspirational examples of the intellectual and moral courage our school’s mission calls on us to develop in each of our graduates. Whether in overcoming the challenges of his captivity in Hanoi or passionately pursuing in the Senate policies to strengthen the country, Sen. McCain has given all of us powerful lessons in what living an honorable life can mean.”
As a three-year student at Episcopal, Senator McCain was a talented athlete who played football, wrestling, and tennis. As a senior, he wrestled in the 127-pound weight class and held the record for “fastest pin” for two years. He also served on the staff of The Chronicle (newspaper) and Whispers (yearbook), Dramatics Club, E Club, Missionary Society, and Blackford Literary Society, among others.
At the time, the student body was 240 boys and 22 faculty members, and the annual tuition was $1,400. The School observed a Sunday and Monday weekend, rather than Saturday and Sunday.
The EHS Honor Code, which is one of the oldest among secondary schools, was as important to student life in the 1950s as it is today. When asked what about his Episcopal experience had the greatest impact on his life, the Senator once responded in a visit to the School community in 2008, “My exposure to the Honor Code, which has guided me throughout my life.” (Full transcript of McCain's 2008 speech at Episcopal High School available here.)
Senator McCain kept close ties to the School over the decades. In “Faith of My Fathers,” a memoir published in 1999, the Senator described fond memories of his years at Episcopal and the confidence he gained from his experience and teachers, particularly English teacher William B. Ravenel, about whom he wrote: “Were William B. Ravenel the only person I remember from high school, I would credit those days as among the best of my life.”
In 1987, the Senator received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 2001, the School presented Senator McCain with the Phillips Integrity in Action Award, “recognizing his life of service, which epitomizes the highest ideals of honor and integrity – values that are at the core of Episcopal High School,” then-Headmaster Rob Hershey wrote at the time.
A SAMPLE OF MEDIA LINKS REMEMBERING SEN. McCAIN:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND THINKPIECES:
- "For Whom the Bell Tolls" (HBO, documentary)
- John McCain (Biography.com documentary)
- "A Hero's Life" (Weekly Standard, written by Ken Ringle '57)
- "An Appreciation of John McCain" (Sports Illustrated, written by Larry Fitzgerald)
- "A Great Defender of Liberty: World Leaders Mourn John McCain" (Washington Post)
- Vietnamese Pay Tribute to John McCain (CBS News)
- "Statements and Tributes" (a collection of links available on the JohnMcCain.com site)
- "Episcopal High School in Alexandria Honors, Remembers John McCain" (WJLA Channel 7)
My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best.— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 26, 2018
I love you forever - my beloved father @SenJohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/Y50tVQvlVe— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 26, 2018
The Naval Academy is mourning the loss of one of our most distinguished graduates, Sen. John McCain (USNA ‘58). His life of service to our country is a legacy that will continue to be revered. #USNavy #usna #Military #midshipmen— U.S. Naval Academy (@NavalAcademy) August 26, 2018
When I was at @EpiscopalHS, John McCain was a POW. He was legendary at EHS for having racked up what was said to be most demerits in school history. One of his former teachers said, “Those North Vietnamese have no idea what they are in for.” And he was right. What a hero.— stuart stevens (@stuartpstevens) August 26, 2018
I began to learn about @SenJohnMcCain when I was 14 and got to our shared alma mater, @EpiscopalHS. He was present in my life constantly after that. An eternal hero, a worthy 2008 political foe, and a true believer in doing what he thought was right for the American people. 1/3— Jordan Whichard (@JordanWhichard) August 26, 2018
I appreciate the dignity & class of my fellow @EpiscopalHS "Old Boy" John McCain - May the Grace of God & Peace be with you & your family during this final stage of your life. https://t.co/yYhPsQ8YBY— Clarence Gaines (@ClarenceGaines2) August 24, 2018
Fellow @EpiscopalHS alum @SenJohnMcCain made his mark during an amazing career and will be sorely missed during these challenging times https://t.co/EwBF6Ezd3E #Phoenix https://t.co/eolIRostGO— Erek L. Barron (@erekbarron) August 26, 2018
Here's my statement on the passing of both my boss and fellow alumnus, Senator McCain. @EpiscopalHS Thoughts and prayers for @cindymccain @MeghanMcCain #SenatorMcCain pic.twitter.com/1NAPVqbBFF— Henry Barrett (@HenryHbrrtt) August 28, 2018
Rest in peace to an American hero, statesman, servant of the people, and dear friend. Godspeed Senator McCain. My prayers for Cindy and the beautiful McCain family. pic.twitter.com/Tj87Hb8MtY— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) August 26, 2018
I had the honor to listen to Senator John McCain speak at my high school , @EpiscopalHS (his as well). Prayers of comfort and love to his wife and daughter during their heartbreaking time of loss. Godspeed, Senator McCain.— Cait (@CaitE_Writer) August 26, 2018
RIP Sen. John McCain. Episcopal High School Class of 1954. #GodBlessTheHighSchool @EpiscopalHS https://t.co/8g2oqA2tBh— Jonathan Lee (@ehscoachLEE) August 26, 2018
