Senator John McCain, who has been farewelled in an emotional ceremony at Washington National Cathedral in Washington DC, has been remembered as a staunch friend of Australia.
The elder statesman of the Republican party and Vietnam War veteran died, aged 81, late last month.
Throughout his career Senator McCain was a close friend of Australia and its leaders and was reportedly the one doing the legwork to maintain the Australian-US relationship in the wake of the infamous phone call between then-Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and President Donald Trump last year.
Former presidents and other top power players in US politics have gathered to mourn John McCain. Source: AP
Tomorrow, he will be buried next to a lifelong friend at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
The Australian Mayor of the city Gavin Buckley said Senator McCain undertook training at the academy for four years from 1954-1958 and made his mark early on.
“His reputation was that he was not that good with authority that he would jump the wall and go and have a drink and Australians are not that good with authority so I think that’s why we relate to him so much,” the former Perth resident said..
Mr Buckley said the Senator’s passing is a ‘huge loss’ as he became a part of the city.
“Once you go to the academy it’s in your blood forever so he was a pretty regular here. He obviously knew lots of the admirals,” he said.
Annapolis mayor Gavin Buckley has paid tribute to Senator McCain. Source: SBS News
Mr Buckley said the small city with a population of almost 40,000 is expecting a tourism boost with many people expected to come and pay their respects.
“I’m a Democrat and he was a Republican but he was a reach across the aisle type of guy. He had something special as he could see both sides of the argument.”
The six-term senator has often been referred to as Australia’s closest friend, repeatedly putting his strong support for the Australian-United States alliance on the record.
Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC, Katrina Cooper said she is adamant his legacy will live on for generations to come.
“Australia has lost a great friend in the passing of Senator McCain but as he himself said the alliance is unbreakable and eternal,” Ambassador Cooper said.
“We have many many friends in the United States that appreciate the importance of the United States Australia alliance.”
A young Lt. Commander John McCain. The president has previously referred to the veteran as a "loser" for being captured during the Vietnam conflict. Source: Bettmann
Due to the extraordinary outpouring of grief for Senator McCain in Australia, the US embassy in Australia has opened an online condolences book so people can pay their respects.
Australian leaders have also praised the senator.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said McCain was “a true friend of Australia, who was committed to strengthening the alliance between our two nations”.
“He was a man of great courage and conviction,” he said.
