A Closer Look: 3 Eulogies from John McCain's Memorial Service

Last Saturday, during the memorial service for John McCain, three speakers gave heartfelt eulogies. They were, in fact, so touching, that it's worth pointing out a few of the highlights from each.

First, let's look at what former President George W. Bush had to say:

"John was, above all, a man with a code. He lived by a set of public virtues that brought strength and purpose to his life and to his country.

He was courageous -- with a courage that frightened his captors and inspired his countrymen.

He was honest, no matter whom it offended. Presidents were not spared. 

He was honorable -- always recognizing that his opponents were still patriots and human beings.

He loved freedom, with the passion of a man who knew its absence.

He respected the dignity inherent in every life -- a dignity that does not stop at borders and cannot be erased by dictators.

Perhaps above all, John detested the abuse of power. He could not abide bigots and swaggering despots. There was something deep inside him that made him stand up for the little guy -- to speak for forgotten people in forgotten places...

"... At various points throughout his long career, John confronted policies and practices that he believed were unworthy of his country. To the face of those in authority, John McCain would insist: We are better than this. America is better than this.

"... He saw our country not only as a physical place or power, but as the carrier of enduring human aspirations. As an advocate for the oppressed. As a defender of the peace. As a promise, unwavering, undimmed, unequaled...

"If we are ever tempted to forget who we are, to grow weary of our cause, John's voice will always come as a whisper over our shoulder: We are better than this. America is better than this."

And here's what former President Barack Obama had to say:
"John cared about the institutions of self government, our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, rule of law, separation of powers, even the arcane rules and procedures of the Senate.

"He knew that in a nation as big and boisterous and diverse as ours, those institutions, those rules, those norms are what bind us together, give shape and order to our common life. Even when we disagree, especially when we disagree, John believed in honest argument and hearing our views. He understood that if we get in the habit of bending the truth to suit political expediency or party orthodoxy, our democracy will not work. That's why he was willing to buck his own party at times, occasionally work across the aisle on campaign finance reform and immigration reform. That's why he championed a free and independent press as vital to our democratic debate."

"... So much of our politics, our public life, our public discourse can seem small and mean and petty, trafficking in bombast and insult and phony controversies and manufactured outrage. It's a politics that pretends to be brave and tough, but in fact is born of fear. John called on us to be bigger than that. He called on us to be better than that... What better way to honor John McCain's life of service than as best we can follow his example to this country...

"That's perhaps how we honor him best, by recognizing that there are some things bigger than party or ambition or money or fame or power, that there are some things that are worth risking everything for. Principles that are eternal. Truths that are abiding."

And, saving the best for last, there was McCain's own daughter, Meghan McCain. She spoke with a passion, born of a deep familial bond with her father:

"We gather here to mourn the passing of American greatness, the real thing, not cheap rhetoric from men who will never come near the sacrifice he gave so willingly, nor the opportunistic appropriation of those who live lives of comfort and privilege while he suffered and served. He was a great fire who burned bright...

"...My father was a great man. He was a great warrior. He was a great American. I admired him for all of those things. But I love him because he was a great father..."

"...For the rest of my life, whenever I fall down, I get back up. Whenever I am hurt, I drive on. Whenever I am brought low, I rise. That is not because I am uniquely virtuous or strong or resilient, it is simply because my father, John McCain, was..."

"...Dad, I love you. I always have. All that I am, all that I hope, all that I dream is grounded in what you taught me. You loved me and showed me what love must be."

Taken together, these eulogies served as a refreshing counterpoint to the current state of politics in our country and world. The words and the sentiments behind them, came across as a clarion call to be our best selves. Despite differences we may have in political views or philosophy. 

It was just like John McCain, in planning for his memorial service, to leave us this final gift.
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Photo credits: George W. Bush - Business Insider UK; Barack Obama - The Atlantic; Meghan McCain - Esquire. All video links are from C-Span coverage.