Senator John McCain, Arizona, passed away August 25 after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma in July 2017. He discontinued treatment for the tumor a few days before his death.

“Senator McCain was an American icon.  He was a man of principle, a devout patriot and will be greatly missed,” government teacher Megan Sellers said.

McCain passed away in Phoenix.

“He was an great public servant, and he will be missed,” sophomore Camden Genta said.

McCain’s last statement to the American people was read allowed by his former campaign manager Rick Davis after his death. The letter talked of his achievements, and also said goodbye to the American people.

“Do not despair of our present difficulties. We believe always in the promise and greatness of America because nothing is inevitable here. Americans never quit, we never surrender, we never hide from history. We make history. Farewell fellow Americans, God bless you, and God bless America,” the end of the letter read.

Multiple senators paid tribute to McCain, including the now senior senator from Arizona Jeff Flake, who gave a teary interview on CNN.

“It’s tough to imagine the Senate without him. It’s tough to imagine politics without John McCain, but we need to go on,” Flake said.

The senate minority leader, senator Chuck Schumer, also weighed in on McCain’s death.

“As you go through life, you meet few truly great people. John McCain was one of them,” Schumer said.

Numerous world leaders also weighed in on McCain’s death.

“Heartfelt condolences to the family of @SenJohnMcCain. He was a good friend of #Qatar, a strong believer of peace in Middle East, and an exceptional politician #McCain,” Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said in a tweet.

President Donald Trump also tweeted the night of McCain’s death. “My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you.”

Trump has ordered flags flown at half staff until McCain’s interment.

“I am happy that President Trump has ordered the flag back to half staff,” French teacher Rebecca Jennings said.

The flag over the White House was lowered to half mast for but a day, when it was again raised to full full mast. It was only lowered again after public pressure.

“President Trump doesn’t have to agree or like everything that McCain stood for, but he should show the respect that was due,” Jennings said.

Former president Barack Obama, to whom McCain lost the 2008 presidential election, will give a eulogy. 

“Inviting your political rival to whom you lost the biggest election in the country to over a fellow member of your political party says that there is a rift in the Republican party that may prove to be devastating for partisan politics,” Sellers said.

McCain was captured and tortured during the Vietnam war, before entering politics.