WASHINGTON The skies outside the Capitol opened up Friday morning as a military honor guard carried the flag-draped casket of Sen. John McCain up the stairs of the Capitol before bright sunshine later emerged. Inside, Vice President Mike Pence and congressional leaders feted a man who was a walking force of nature.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the Arizona Republicans death a great loss for the country but told a packed Capitol Rotunda they were gathered to celebrate a great life that featured six decades of devotion to the American idea and the cause of human freedom.
We marvel at the man who lies before us, McConnell said, his words echoing under the Capitol Dome. The cocky, handsome naval aviator who barely scraped through school then fought for freedom in the skies.
