Here’s How Caribbean American US Congressmembers Are Remembering John McCain

By NAN Contributor

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Mon. Aug. 27, 2018: Caribbean-American, U.S. members of congress from both sides of the isle are among those paying tribute to the maverick, American hero and long-time Senator and Presidential candidate, John Sidney McCain, III.

Their comments come after McCain passed away on Saturday August 25th at 4:28 p.m. EST at his home in Cornville, Arizona, four days shy of his 82nd birthday following a battle with brain cancer. The senator’s family had announced only a day before, on August 24, 2018, that he would no longer receive treatment for his cancer.

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (L) laughs as he’s introduced by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a window distribution business on April 10, 2008 in Brooklyn, New York.
Photo: Hayden Roger Celestin/News Americas

Cuban-born Congressman Albio B. Sires said he was saddened to hear about the passing of U.S. Senator McCain. He remembered him as a champion for human rights who believed that everyone should have the chance to realize their potential to the fullest.

“John’s ability to work with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle is why his legacy will live on for many generations to come,” he said in a statement.

Dominican Republic-born Congressman, Adriano Espaillat, tweeted that he stands with his colleagues in Congress in mourning the loss of Sen. McCain.

“May God bless & comfort his family, friends & loved ones during this difficult time of bereavement. May he rest in peace & may his legacy of statesmanship, leadership & diplomacy continue in each of us,” the NY congressman added.

Cuban-born, Republican Congresswoman, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, called McCain “American hero” whose legacy will endure.

He was “a fighter through and through,” she added. “A patriot and a true American hero.”

Caribbean American Congresswoman, Yvette D. Clarke, said American has “lost an American hero – a true patriot and statesman.”

Republican Presidential Candidate Sen. John McCain, giving an economics speech at a window distribution business, on April 10, 2008 in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York.
Photo; Hayden Roger Celestin/New Americas

“John McCain was a man of outstanding integrity and courage. His leadership on behalf of our nation was unmatched,” the Brooklyn, NY Congresswoman tweeted. “We are forever obliged.”

Caribbean roots US Senator, Kamala Harris said McCain “will be remembered as a devoted father and husband, war hero and a conscience of the Senate.”

“Sending my condolences and prayers to his friends and family, and to the American people who have lost a true patriot,” she tweeted.

“#JohnMcCain means so much to America and the United States Congress.  During this time, we are continuing to keep him and his family in our prayers,” added Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, whose roots extend to Jamaica through her parents.

While Haitian American Congresswoman, Mia Love, called McCain “a principled Senator,” and reflected that he campaigned for her in Utah in 2012.

“My time with him was precious and I’m grateful for his support and most of all for his distinguished service to our nation,” she tweeted.

Senator McCain will lie in state in the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix on August 29th, followed by a service at North Phoenix Baptist Church on August 30th. His body will then travel to Washington to lie in state in the rotunda of the United States Capitol on August 31st, before a service at the Washington National Cathedral on September 1st.

He will then be buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery, next to his Naval Academy classmate Admiral Charles R. Larson. Prior to his death, McCain requested that former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama eulogize him at his funeral and asked that President Donald Trump not attend.