According to the President, John McCain was an exceptional patriot and leader whose love and devotion for his country was turned into a lifetime service. During his military and subsequent political career as well as during three decades of service as Senator from Arizona, John McCain faithfully defended his country and its interests through gathering society, looking for concord with like-minded people and political opponents. He always defended democratic values that were dear to him as well as freedom and life-style of Americans.
Dalia Grybauskaitė underscored that an enormous responsibility and sacrifice, moral authority and courage to speak the truth had earned him support and many friends in the United States of America as well as in many other countries of the world. The message of condolences reads that we would remember esteemed John McCain as brave and non-compromising fighter for truth and democracy, always ready to stand for human rights and freedom of subdued nations all over the world.
According to the President, in Lithuania, we are grateful for the close – exceptional – friend of our state. In the U.S., Senator John McCain was a consistent supporter of Lithuania’s independence and establishment of freedom. He has greatly contributed to gathering support for Lithuania, its defense and security of its citizens. Senator McCain resolutely advocated close relations between Europe and the United States of America, spoke for the unity of transatlantic community and comprehensive cooperation, especially for the importance of military support to Europe aimed at ensuring our defense capabilities to defend ourselves against any threats.
Senator McCain was awarded the Grand Cross of Commander of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas for merits to Lithuania.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius offered his condolences on the passing of the U.S. Senator John McCain.
"John McCain throughout his incredible life embodied true patriotism, courage, ultimate fight for freedom and respect for human dignity – the fundamental values and principles that we lack so much in today's world. We have lost one the greatest moral giants of our time," wrote L. Linkevičius in the letter.
