This morning I watched part of the burial service for Senator John McCain, live-streamed from the National Episcopal Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
As a nation, we are mourning the loss of a great man. He proved his steely character as a prisoner of war in Viet Nam, spending five long years in the Hanoi Hilton undergoing torture and interrogation. After his military service, he served his country for thirty one years in the Senate, where he prided himself in being a fiercely independent voice.
I admire John McCain for the loyalty, honor and duty that he displayed throughout his life. His love for our country, his respect for the values and traditions of our nation, and his unapologetic embrace of his beliefs showed he was a man of true character.
The Gospel reading at his service was from John 15:13. “ Jesus said, ‘No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’”
A few highlights from the service:
- Faithful to the stately words of the Book of Common Prayer, pages 491-500
- The singing of the Navy Hymn, “Eternal Father, strong to save”
- The poem “Requiem” by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Tributes from former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama
- “Danny Boy” sung by opera star Renee Fleming
- The singing of America the Beautiful at the end
May God bless his family as they grieve his loss.