A true American hero passed today: Senator John McCain.

He was a man who was always true to his convictions and during his time of service both in the military & as Senator he always put the American people first.

As a Senator, he was always willing to reach across the aisle to work with his colleagues on issues of importance & was respected by all.

There many have been disagreements along the way, but Senator McCain understood that politics need not be personal, that you can disagree with someone and still like them.

Point in case, Vice President Biden and Senator Edward Kennedy were long time friends of his.

He set a good example for not only other politicians but for the American people.

Senator McCain...though I can't say that he was a fan of Battlestar Galactica or not...understood the credo that "There is only one race, the human race"...as he recognized that one of the underpinnings of our great republic lie in the fact that we are a nation of immigrants, bringing the best from around the world to diversify & make our country great.

As a man of conviction, he sometimes flew in the face of his own party when he needed to make a stand, because he always put country first.

He also knew that the foundation of our country lay not only in it's people, but also in our constitution, which he adhered to every day in his public service.

Senator McCain had faith in the American people & knew that our country has never ceased being great, it always has been great, is great & always will be great because of the strength of its people and that faith was unflagging.

As a veteran, he always championed veteran's rights and was a strong supporter of our military, of our great men & women in uniform.

It also says volumes about him, that he asked two former political adversaries, President George W. Bush & President Barack Obama to both give eulogies at his funeral, again proving that politics need not be personal.

The country lost a great statesman today.

May he rest in peace.

SO SAY WE ALL!

Shawn O'Donnell