‘A nation is in tears’: tributes to John McCain
Tributes poured in from the U.S. and across the world following the death of political heavyweight John McCain on Saturday. David Doyle reports.
Far from Washington D.C., on the shores of a Vietnamese lake, flowers are being laid for John McCain – showing how news of his death has rippled across the world.
This is a memorial at the site in Hanoi where McCain’s plane was shot down in 1967, visited by U.S. citizens and Vietnamese people alike.
(SOUNDBITE) (Vietnamese) 80-YEAR-OLD RESIDENT, VU VAN LONG, SAYING:
“He supported peace in Vietnam when it comes to the policies made by Congress. He is a peace lover. He dies, leaving a sadness for everyone that supports peace.”
Sunday (August 26) has witnessed an outpouring of tributes for the former prisoner of war and political heavyweight, including from world leaders and former presidents.
George W. Bush responded with these words: “Some lives are so vivid it is hard to think of them as ended. Some voices so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled.”
Barack Obama, McCain’s one-time election opponent, praised McCain’s high ideals and courage while Donald Trump, who had an acrimonious relationship with McCain, tweeted that his deepest sympathies and respect go out to McCain’s family.
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell described McCain’s life as a “bright example” defined by “boundless patriotism” and “self-sacrifice”. House minority leader Nancy Pelosi said the “nation is in tears”.
World leaders have also reacted to news of McCain’s death:
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON, SAYING:
“He embodied everything that we respect and value and love about our American friends.”
From new Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to Justin Trudeau.
McCain called a “great statesman” by British Prime Minister Theresa May and a “true American hero” by French President Emmanuel Macron.
But the words that matter most coming from his wife Cindy.
She wrote on Twitter: “My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the place he loved best.”
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