Tributes are pouring in from across Maryland for late Senator John McCain.
His alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy, writing on Twitter that they are mourning the loss of one of their most distinguished graduates. "His life of service to our country is a legacy that will continue to be revered."
According to the senator's website, he will be laid to rest at the academy's cemetery in Annapolis.
Governor Larry Hogan ordered the United States flag and the Maryland State flag to be lowered to half-staff through sunset on Sunday. He said in a statement that hs is deeply honored to have known him.
“Senator John McCain will forever remain one of most valiant heroes our country has ever known. He has long stood as a shining example of doing the right thing and standing up for his principles even – and especially – when the going gets tough," Hogan said. "All of us join Senator McCain’s family and colleagues in taking pride in his legacy of selfless service, grit, and determination. A grateful nation will be forever in his debt."
Democratic candidate for governor Ben Jealous said on twitter, "I am incredibly saddened to hear that Senator John McCain has passed. He embodied true patriotism and will be missed. Thank you for your service, Senator."
Other Maryland organizations and representatives shared statements about McCain's impact.
“Senator John McCain was a statesman, a veteran, and an American hero. His passion and determination were unsurpassed in the U.S. Senate, and his moral compass was unfailing. The loss of Senator McCain will be felt deeply throughout the Senate and the country – where countless Americans have benefited from his service," Sen. Chris Van Hollen said.
"Senator John McCain dedicated his life in service to our country. He was a war hero whose bravery and courage took him from the battle fields to the United States Senate where he fought tirelessly for his constituents and the people of this country," Congressman Elijah Cummings said. "Known as the maverick of the Senate, he was not afraid to challenge the ideology of his party in order to stand up for what he believed was right for the American people. Our country has lost an honorable patriot and dedicated public servant."
“For nearly a dozen years in the United States Senate, Senator McCain has been my friend and my enduring partner in standing up for universal human rights and advancing other core American values," Sen. Ben Cardin said. “Last year, Senator McCain worked with me to ensure a new, tough sanctions regime against Vladimir Putin and his oligarchs for their insidious attack on our democracy. Senator McCain fought alongside me to make sure our efforts to hold Russia accountable made it into law ... The United States Senate and the American people have lost in John McCain a man who was the very definition of service to country. I will miss John terribly, and I hope all Americans will pause today to remember his legacy and admire his courage.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim advocacy and civil rights organization, also sending condolences to McCain's family.
"The American Muslim community joins all Americans in mourning the death of Sen. McCain, a man of principle who served our nation with honor and dignity for so many decades. American Muslims particularly recall Sen. McCain's rejection of bigotry, his courage in the face of adversity and his unwavering opposition to the use of torture. He modeled the art of respectful disagreement," CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said.
