On behalf of our 44,000 members, the OPCMIA extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Senator John McCain. He was a true American hero — a man of good will and unwavering principles who always put his country first and whose character and courage always shined — even while facing the unimaginable ordeal of five years as a prisoner of war.
While we often disagreed with his votes in the Senate and his positions on key issues, we never for a moment doubted his good intentions, honesty and civility. We also deeply admired his fierce opposition to tyranny and oppression around the world.
If more elected officials were like John McCain, the United States would be a better country and our democracy would be in stronger shape than it is today. We will miss him. And we hope that in the months and years to come, America’s leaders will be inspired by his example and moved to heed the call of his final words:
“[W]e have always had so much more in common with each other than in disagreement. If only we remember that and give each other the benefit of the presumption that we all love our country we will get through these challenging times. We will come through them stronger than before. We always do.”
Daniel E. Stepano
General President
