Meghan McCain delivered a powerful eulogy at her father’s funeral yesterday morning which was held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Senator John McCain was honored in his home state of Arizona Thursday where former Vice President Joe Biden delivered the eulogy. Thousands of people paid their respects to him at the Arizona Capitol following the service.
Top elected officials gathered to honor McCain at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Friday. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Vice President Mike Pence gave remarks, it then opened up to the public for citizens to pay their respects.
McCain will be buried with military honors at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland today, next to his long-time pal Adm. Chuck Larson.
John McCain Was Defined by Love: Meghan McCain
“I am here before you today saying the words I have never wanted to say. Giving the speech I have never wanted to give. Feeling the loss I have never wanted to feel,” said Meghan McCain.
Meghan’s speech touched on all of her father’s accomplishments but she claims he was defined by love. “His love was a love of a father who mentors as much as he comforts. He was endlessly present for us.” Meghan fought through tears as she reminisced on her childhood and most precious moments with her father.
“Imagine the warrior the night of the skies gently carrying his little girl to bed. Imagine the dashing aviator who took his aircraft, hurdling off pitching decks in the South China Seas, kissing the hurt when I fell and skinned my knee. Imagine the distinguished statesman who counseled presidents and the powerful singing with his girl in Oak Creek during a rainstorm to singing in the rain.”
Meghan mentioned her father wore many hats. “He was a sailor, he was an aviator, he was a husband, he was a warrior, he was a prisoner, he was a hero, he was a congressman, he was a senator, he was a nominee for President of the United States,” but she claimed his most impactful roles were as father and husband.
McCain told her to show the world how tough she is when Meghan asked him what he wanted her to say in the eulogy.
“Dad I love you. I always have and I always will, with all that I am. All that I hope and all that I dream is grounded in what you taught me,” she closed.
“I know how it ended,” she said. “An old man shook off the scars of battle one last time and arose a new man to pilot one last flight to the Kingdom of Heaven and he slipped off the earthly bonds, put out his hand and touched the face of God.”