A week of events celebrating the life of Senator John McCain

Senator John McCain left a lasting impression on everyone he met during his almost 82 years, much of it serving the public. Due to the immense impact he had on others, multiple memorial events are scheduled in both Phoenix and Washington D.C.

Today, McCain’s former campaign manager and the family spokesperson, Rick Davis announced who would be speaking at McCain’s memorial services.

Wednesday, Aug. 29

The first McCain ceremony will be held on his 82^nd birthday. His family will be joined by multiple  Arizona community figures.

Governor Doug Ducey will be presiding over the event where he and former U.S. Senator John Kyl will be making remarks. The invocation will be performed by Father Edward Reese. McCain’s old friend and former Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe will be presenting the wreath and current U.S. Senator Jeff Flake will perform the benediction.

The public is invited to pay their respects and honor his life and service to the country starting at 2 p.m., following the ceremony. The capitol will stay open until everyone who wants to pay their respects has had the opportunity to do so. The Arizona State Capitol is located at

1700 W. Washington Street in Phoenix.

Thursday, Aug. 30

The McCain family will be joined by more public figures from across the state and country. Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden was asked by the McCains to speak at his Arizona memorial.

The memorial will be presided over by the church’s Senior Pastor. McCain’s children Bridget and Andy McCain will be doing readings. Former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods, long-time friend Tommy Espinoza and Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals also will offer tributes.

An ensemble from Brophy College Prep will be performing at the service. Doors will open at 8 a.m. and the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. North Phoenix Baptist Church is located at 5757 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix.

Friday, Aug. 31

A national Lying in State ceremony for McCain will be a formal event for members of the United States government, Congress and the public to remember him.

Majority leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Vice President Mike Pence are expected to participate in the ceremony. McConnell will be joined by Senator Chuck Schumer for the giving of the Senate wreath, Ryan will give the House wreath, Pence will present the administration’s wreath. The Chaplin of the United States Senate will perform the benediction.

The public is welcome to pay their respects between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 1 

The last public event will be McCain’s memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral. Daughter Meghan McCain will be the first person to pay tribute to her father. She will be joined by former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, as well as, former Senator Joe Lieberman and Dr. Henry Kissinger.

Former Senator Kelly Ayotte and Sidney McCain will be doing readings and Opera star Renée Fleming will be singing Danny Boy.

Prior to the memorial, McCain’s family will escort him to the Vietnam War Memorial, where they will lay a wreath.

Sunday, Sept. 2

McCain’s family will gather at U.S Naval Academy Cemetery’s chapel with friends and members of McCain’s 1958 Naval Academy class.  After the ceremony, Senator McCain will be laid to rest on Hospital Hill next to his friend Admiral Chuck Larson.

For more information regarding McCain’s life, legacy, and memorial services click here.