Senator John McCain Honored In Ceremony At The U.S. Capital

Friends, family, and fellow lawmakers gathered at the Capitol Rotunda on a rainy Friday (August 31) morning to honor Arizona Senator John McCain, who passed away at the age of 81 after a battle with brain cancer.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Paul Ryan, and Vice President Mike Pence all spoke during the ceremony, fondly remembering their time working with the fiery Arizona senator.

"He had America's fighting spirit," McConnell remembered. "I will miss a dear friend whose smile reminded us that service is a privilege."

Ryan said that McCain was "one of the bravest souls our nation has ever produced," who reminded us of the "common humanity that burns in each of our hearts."

"We will ever remember that John McCain served his country and John McCain served his country honorably,” Pence said. 

Following the brief remarks, Senator Minority leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, joined McConnell and Ryan to lay wreaths in front of McCain's casket.  

McCain will lie at the Capitol for public viewing beginning at 2 p.m., becoming just the 31st person to lie in state there. A private memorial service will be held for McCain on Saturday at the Washington National Cathedral where former President George W. Bush and former President Barack Obama will deliver the eulogy. McCain will be buried next to his "wingman" Charles Larson at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland on Sunday.

Photo: Getty Images