United States Navy
The Sailor's Creed:
"I am a United States Sailor.
I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world. I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
I am committed to excellence and fair treatment of all."
No matter the nature of your political affiliation, beliefs, or stance on the political limelight, one notion can be certain. When the life of an American hero and Vietnam Veteran advances to its end, a deserved moment of silence and reverence is to be appropriated to honor the life and sacrificial commitments upheld by those who have protected our country.
Following the decision and announcement to terminate medical treatments, Senator John McCain passed away on August 25th, 2018, at the age of 81 years old, only three days before his 82nd birthday, discontinuing treatment for his aggressive prognosis of glioblastoma ( a cancerous condition which facilitates the growth of a rare and malignant brain tumor) merely one day before his passing.
Late Senator McCain's lifetime of legacy embodied an overall commitment not only to Congress but a commitment of remarkable leadership and service to his country. He was commissioned as a Naval aviator, following his graduation from the Naval Academy in 1958 and notably served in the Vietnam War. As a POW (Prisoner of War) held captive and tortured for a number of years by the North Vietnamese, he was honorably recognized for his immense bravery, following his repatriation in 1973.
During his honorable time in service, he was awarded numerous medals and awards such as the distinguished Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, just to regard a select few. His physical and mental injuries, as well as arduous post-traumatic stress from the war, contributed in sustaining profound disabilities for the remainder of his life. Retiring from his Naval career as a Captain (O-6) in 1981, he initiated his political career in Arizona approximately one year later, elected into the House of Representatives for two terms and progressed forward as an elected official of the U.S. Senate for 19 more years.
Although he was affiliated with the Republican Party, he was often considered a "maverick" for his willingness to be contentious and headstrong, when it came to the dynamics of certain political issues. He was well known and commended by many worldwide for his non-pretentious demeanor, his dedication to seeking the truth, and his remarkable willingness to convey his courageous principles to represent a righteous cause for the betterment of society.
Speaking as a former Navy Sailor, I am honored to dedicate great homage to the late Senator John McCain, for it is the path of former Navy Veterans, such as himself, who have paved the way for younger generations of sailors, former and current, molding courageous exemplars in history that will become legendary for generations in copious lifetimes. These ideals are a paradigm of the true sacrifices made by military personnel to preserve the liberated freedoms that we know today. And for those of us who have served as military personnel, former and current, we stand united as brothers and sisters, in a lifetime of camaraderie, even in the face of death.
Ceremonies in honor of late Senator John McCain will be held at the Arizona State Capital, Washington D.C, The U.S Capitol, The National Cathedral in Washington, and finally, a private ceremony in which McCain will be laid to rest at the U.S Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland. Upon late Senator McCain's specified wishes, Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush are expected to deliver eulogies at Senator McCain's funeral procession at Washington National Cathedral. Former Vice President Joe Biden is also expected to honor Senator McCain in a separate service.
As a symbolic form of respect in the Navy to those who have departed this life, we speak the words, "Fair Winds and Following Seas" and in honor of John McCain's life, "Eternal rest grant to him. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace."
