My thoughts on the passing of a great American Patriot, John McCain. “I had the honor of meeting Senator John McCain 30 years ago. He was in his early years as a U.S. Senator from the State of Arizona. I met him at our V.A. hospital. He was the guest speaker for the national POW/MIA Day. At that time I was a Councilwoman and I remember how moved I was by his personal story of being a captured POW during the Vietnam War for nearly six years.

When he shook my hand he just didn’t move on quickly to the next person in line, he spent a few minutes with me sharing his thoughts on being a public servant and wished me well. I’ve never forgotten how sincere and kind he was. An image that I’ll never forget on that day on the campus of the V.A. is when he was giving his very eloquent speech about serving and defending our great Country was that the Veterans who were in wheelchairs tried as hard as they could to stand to salute this very brave American.

After he ended his speech he went over to salute each one of these Veterans. It was a remarkable moment and he earned my respect that day which continues today.”

Supervisor Linda Puglisi