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Reflections on a life of service to others, passion and accountability

The late Sen. John McCain demonstrated three core values in his life and work, says S. Chris Edmonds.

2 min read

Management

Sen. John McCain

Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

It’s been a month since Sen. John McCain passed away. It warmed my heart to see the remarkable celebrations of his service to our country.

No matter your political affiliations, I hope you’ll agree that McCain was a unique, powerful voice for America. I didn’t always agree with his politics, but I was grateful for his reliable voice and principled drive.

Many have spoken and written about McCain’s legacy. We’ve heard stories from his Navy service, his capture and torture in a prisoner-of-war camp, his time as a congressman and a senator, his presidential runs, his maverick spirit and more. 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that McCain had “America’s fighting spirit, our noble idealism, our solemn patriotism, and our slightly irreverent streak — all rolled into one.”

And, I believe there was a singular, stronger drive in John McCain’s life than idealism or, even, patriotism — that drive was conviction to values. I see alignment throughout McCain’s life to three core values, which include service to others, passion and accountability for himself and those around him.

Watch this crisp, three-minute video to learn more of how I interpreted McCain’s alignment to those three values, especially in the last 14 months of his life.

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