A Life of Service is a Life of Purpose: Remembering Senator John McCain

Statement

You do not have to share the same political ideals to have respect for Senator John McCain. Time and time again, this titan of the Senate fought, not only for the America that we are, but for the American we ought to be. He was the ultimate example of putting service over self, and even more so… putting country over party.

This great legacy is what we should all strive to leave behind. We need to reach beyond civility to find understanding. We must cease confusing stalwart ideals with uncompromising wills. And we must stop putting partisanship before people.

Days after September 11, 2001, Senator McCain addressed the Naval Academy Brigade of Midshipmen, and I was a senior, listening in awe to what the former POW had to say: "My warrior days were long ago, but not so long ago that I have forgotten their purpose and their reward. This is your call to arms. This is your moment to make history. There will never be another nation such as ours. Take good care of her. The fate of the world depends upon it."

I started to run this race over a year ago, with the mindset of this great leader I strive to emulate. I am running to be a part of the United States Congress because I believe in continuing to nurture this nation into what we could be. I believe in standing up for the people of New Jersey, and I believe in the bright promise of our country's future, when we work together to put the people of our country over the politics of our parties. Senator John McCain was a hero in battle and a warrior in public life, he has earned a chapter in America's history books that future generations will read in far corners around the world, seeking justice and equality for all. Rest in peace, sir.

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