McCain to be honored in Arizona and Washington
Senator John McCain, who died Saturday after a yearlong battle with brain cancer, will be honored at ceremonies in Arizona and Washington.McCain will first lie in state at the Arizona State Capitol, where a private ceremony will be held on Wednesday, which would have been McCain's 82nd birthday.
Members of the public will be able to pay their respects at the State Capitol. On Thursday, a private memorial service will take place at the North Phoenix Baptist Church.
In Washington, DC, McCain will lie in state at the United States Capitol on Friday. The public will be invited to pay their respects. McCain will become the 13th senator to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda, an honor reserved for the nation's "most eminent citizens," according to the Architect of the Capitol.
A memorial service in Washington will be held at the Washington National Cathedral on Saturday. Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush are expected to speak at the service. McCain's office said a livestream will be available for the services at the National Phoenix Baptist Church and the National Cathedral.
McCain will be buried at the US Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland. His grave site will overlook the Severn River, and will be next his best friend from his Naval Academy days, Admiral Chuck Larson.
The Vietnam War hero, Senator, and 2008 Republican presidential candidate was remembered for his courage, patriotism and service by fellow Americans and foreign dignitaries. President Donald Trump tweeted Saturday, "My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!"
His campaign later issued a statement offering condolences and "urging all Americans to take the opportunity to remember Senator McCain and his family in their prayers on this sad occasion."
The White House lowered the flag to half-staff in honor of McCain. Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama issued a statement sending their "heartfelt condolences" to McCain's wife, Cindy and their family.
Obama, who ran against the Republican senator from the western state of Arizona in the 2008 presidential election and defeated him, noted how despite their different generations, backgrounds and politics, "we saw this country as a place where anything is possible."
