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A True American Hero for the Ages

I thought it would be most appropriate to take a moment to
reflect on the life and public service of the late U.S. senator,
retired U.S. naval officer and aviator, and military war hero
from state of Arizona, John Sidney McCain III, who is, for me,
a “True American Hero for the Ages.”

Since I am a retired U.S. military veteran as well, there are, for
me, certain qualities and attributes that clearly define, distinguish,
and portray the essence of what made Senator McCain’s life, service,
and commitment to the nation he loved and selflessly served—so
special and important.

Throughout his sixty-three years of military, political, and public 
service, Senator McCain embodied and personified the calling of
Duty, Honor, and Country. His leadership and character, and love
of country have been beyond reproach. And, beyond the churlishness
of American politics, both past and present, he always believed in
putting the country first and foremost as reflected by his many noted
actions and unwavering support in the defense of democracy and good
governance in the United States of America and worldwide.

During the Vietnam War, the time McCain spent as an American
prisoner of war in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” during 1967-1973,
speaks volumes to his personal bravery and courage in the face of
horrific torture, abuse, and terrible treatment—and to his personal 
belief and commitment in standing together in solidarity with all
of his fellow POWs.

Senator McCain believed in the spirit of true bipartisanship during
his long service and time in both the U.S. House of Representatives,
and later in the U.S. Senate. This was very important to him, and was
a demonstrable cornerstone in how he conducted himself as both a
congressman and senator throughout his long political career.

Reaching across the aisle and working with the political opposition
on many occasions was one of Senator McCain’s hallmark virtues
in seeking to find realistic and meaningful solutions to many problems
in American society, and in helping to address the continuous challenges
facing America and her allies in the realm of foreign affairs.

Senator McCain was results-oriented, and fervently believed in getting 
things done! He was a devout Atlanticist and supporter of NATO and
other international treaties that are significant to America. He recognized
the critical importance of “American Exceptionalism” in the international
community, and clearly saw America as that quintessential bulwark of
freedom in the world.

Doing the right thing was always important to Senator McCain regardless
of the challenge or task at hand. He also stressed the urgency in rejecting
the politics of fear, bigotry, and division in our country, and in our society
writ large. Seeking out and speaking to the “Better Angels of Our Nature”
was another notion and attribute he felt that all Americans should strive for
and fully embrace in their interactions with one another.

Finally, I will always remember Senator McCain for his innate sense of
humor that he oft displayed in public forums, and for his unabashed love
of country that he constantly reflected in his many of his speeches and all
of the positive deeds he accomplished during his lifetime.

May God Bless. Rest in Peace.

Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved
September 1, 2018 (Narrative Tribute)
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