With tears in their eyes and flags in their hands, dozens of Americans stood in the dark to pay their respects to John McCain as his body arrived at a Phoenix mortuary.
McCain died on Saturday, a day after his family announced he was ending medical treatment for brain cancer. The senator was just days shy of his 82nd birthday.
Around 200 people gathered at the A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary on Saturday night, waiting to say goodbye one last time.
The hearse carrying McCain’s body began the procession at his ranch near Cornville.
Around 200 people gathered at the A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary on Saturday night as John McCain’s body arrived on Saturday night
McCain died on Saturday, a day after his family announced he was ending medical treatment for brain cancer. He was just days shy of his 82nd birthday
With tears in their eyes and flags in their hands, dozens of Americans stood in the dark to pay their respects to the senator
The hearse carrying McCain’s body began the procession his ranch near Cornville for a 100-mile journey to Phoenix
It was accompanied by Arizona Department of Public Safety vehicles for the 100-mile journey.
As the hearse pulled up to the mortuary, mourners could be heard shouting ‘I love you John!’
Others were in tears as they reflected on the legendary senator.
‘I just feel really sad,’ Matilda Calderon told The Arizona Republic. ‘He was a great man, he did a lot for the US.’
Some people held American flags while others brought signs thanking McCain for his service
The procession was given a full police escort for the entirety of the journey to Phoenix
Many also left their homes to hold flags on the street as the hearse drove by them on the way to the mortuary
Mourners could be seen waving their American flags or lifting them up in the air as the hearse drove by
Some held up huge flags while others lifted theirs up to the sky as McCain’s body drove by. Many also wore flag-covered clothing.
Steve Dickman watched the hearse as he held a large American flag.
‘He voted his conscience and his heart, not necessarily his party,’ he said.
Dickman recalled the time he met McCain at a book signing and was surprised that the senator was taking time to have personal conversations with people.
Makeshift memorials formed in front of the mortuary as well as McCain’s Phoenix office (pictured) on Sunday
Maria Vicllalpando, 67, of Phoenix, pays respects to McCain at his office on Sunday
Many mourners left cards and messages to the late senator, while others dropped off flowers
Anthony Walker, of Phoenix, adds a flag and card to the memorial outside McCain’s office
Stephanie Wilson wipes her eyes after paying her respects to McCain outside a makeshift memorial at the A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary
‘He wanted to get to know you and your views. I like that,’ Dickman said.
Makeshift memorials formed in front of the mortuary as well as McCain’s Phoenix office on Sunday.
Dozens of bouquets of flowers, candles, balloons, and American flags could be seen in both locations.
A sign that was left in front of McCain’s office included the message: ‘Often disagreed, but always respected you.’
Michael Wilson and Stephanie Wilson hug as they visit a makeshift memorial to honor McCain
Members of the Honor Guard stand guard in front of A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries to honor McCain on Sunday
A child’s note can be seen on the grass by a makeshift memorial at the mortuary on Sunday
‘Thank you for your service and leaving our nation better than you found it.’
Members of the Honor Guard also stood guard in front of the mortuary, holding Prison Of War flags to honor the Vietnam hero.
McCain will now lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda before his life is honored in a full dress funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral.
He will also lie in rest at the Arizona Capital in Phoenix ahead of being buried at the US Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.
US flags fly at half-staff around the Washington Monument in Washington, DC on Sunday