Political Quotes

“I rise today to commemorate the life of Senator John McCain along with my colleagues. John is an American icon whose legacy is known not only across our Nation but around the world. His belief in American exceptionalism was unwavering, and it propelled him to a lifelong service to our Nation. Few have demonstrated John's level of commitment and service to our country. Through both, his bravery serving in the U.S. Navy and his long tenure in Congress, he demonstrated his deep love of country. As the son and grandson of four-star admirals, John began serving this country at an early age. He followed in their footsteps and attended the U.S. Naval Academy and was later commissioned as a naval aviator. He served in the Vietnam war, where he was captured and spent 5\1/2\ years as a prisoner of war. During those years, through torture and misery, he never gave up. He was offered freedom but refused to be released unless every other prisoner was released with him. Think about that. He was flying over Vietnam and was shot down. He was projected from his plane and landed in a lake in Hanoi. He was bruised, in terrible shape, put in a prison, and was clearly in incredible pain, and, through it all, he was offered an opportunity to go home early, and he said: Nope, I am not going unless all of the POWs go. Think of the strength and character that takes. It is almost unfathomable.…”