Tributes continue to be paid to John McCain
People in the U.S. and elsewhere have been paying tribute to Senator John McCain following his death.
ADVERTISEMENTSenator John McCain made one his final journeys as his body was driven from his ranch in Sedona, Arizona, to a funeral home in Phoenix.
Admirers and mourner lined the streets as the hearse drove by. Many expressed admiration for him.
"John is close to my heart because I liked the way he's so strong in politics and in life, you know," said Arizona resident, Patrick Coradino.
"He had some down points with politics but he still overcame those down points with the presidency twice and Vietnam. He still came out strong and he battled. He battled for America and he battled for us, the people."
A woman said: "I'll be honest I'm a Democrat, but I love him... He was caring, he listened to us, and I just have always had high respect for him."
At the former Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi images are displayed of the moment John McCain was taken as a prisoner of war in 1967.
He spent five years there after his plane was shot down during the Vietnam war.
But despite him once being involved in fighting the Vietnamese, people there have shown some affection for him.
"Even though he bombed Vietnam during the war, as a pilot, he was a soldier back then," explained tour guide Nguyen Minh Duc.
"In later years he was the one that contributed most toward normalization with the U.S."
And Hanoi resident, Vu Van Long went further: "He supported peace in Vietnam when it comes to policies made by the Congress. He is a peace-lover. He died, leaving a sadness for everyone that support peace."
Tributes continue to pour in from politicians and ordinary citizens around the world as John McCain is remembered as one of the most high profile politicians in the US.
Tributes from world leaders
President Donald Trump
“My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!”
Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama
“Few of us have been tested the way John once was, or required to show the kind of courage that he did. But all of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above our own. At John’s best, he showed us what that means. And for that, we are all in his debt. Michelle and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Cindy and their family.”
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
“He frequently put partisanship aside to do what he thought was best for the country, and was never afraid to break the mold if it was the right thing to do. I will always be especially grateful for his leadership in our successful efforts to normalize relations with Vietnam.”
Former President George W. Bush
“Some lives are so vivid, it is difficult to imagine them ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled. John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order. He was a public servant in the finest traditions of our country. And to me, he was a friend whom I’ll deeply miss.”
Former President Jimmy Carter
“John McCain was a man of honour, a true patriot in the best sense of the word. Americans will be forever grateful for his heroic military service and for his steadfast integrity as a member of the United States Senate.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
“John McCain was guided by the firm conviction that the value of all political work could be found in serving freedom, democracy and the rule of law. His death is a loss for all who share that conviction.”
ADVERTISEMENTBritish Prime Minister Theresa May
“John McCain was a great statesman, who embodied the idea of service over self. It was an honour to call him a friend of the UK. My deepest sympathies go to his family, and the American people.”
French President Emmanuel Macron
“John McCain was a true American hero. He devoted his entire life to his country. His voice will be missed. Our respectful thoughts go to his beloved ones.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
“Senator John McCain was an American patriot and hero whose sacrifices for his country, and a lifetime of public service, were an inspiration to millions. Canadians join Americans tonight in celebrating his life and mourning his passing.”
Former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin
“Today we lost an American original. Sen. John McCain was a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his beliefs. John never took the easy path in life - and through sacrifice and suffering he inspired others to serve something greater than self.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
“Senator John McCain was a true friend of Australia who was committed to strengthening the alliance between our two nations. He was a man of great courage and conviction. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Cindy, and all the McCain family during this time.”
ADVERTISEMENTIrish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar
“On behalf of the people of Ireland, I extend my deepest sympathies on the death of Senator John McCain, a wise and remarkable statesman, US ally of Ireland and a proud Scots Irishman who was a champion for immigration reform in the US Senate.”
