Lithuanian leaders extend condolences on the passing of U.S. Senator John McCain
Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaitė, Speaker of the Seimas Viktoras Pranckietis, Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis, Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius extended condolences on the passing of U.S. Senator and dear friend of Lithuania John McCain, and wished strength and fortitude to the Senator’s family and all his friends. Lithuanian leaders also extended their condolences to all American people.
The President said that John McCain was an exceptional patriot and leader whose love and devotion for his country was turned into a lifetime service. 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.
The Speaker of the Seimas called the late Senator “an American Hero." "His unbelievable courage and admirable devotion to his country and democracy made him the leader of hearts and the moral standard bearer for many heads of state. The world will be better and more just if each of us embraces at least a small part of the warmth and wisdom spread by John McCain. I was greatly honoured to have been in touch with this outstanding personality, our Friend and Supporter. Sharing your pain, we mourn the loss and once again express our appreciation to you for supporting Lithuania,” said Speaker Pranckietis.
Prime Minister Skvernelis noted that the late Senator was "A Great Man. A fighter for the ideals of freedom and democracy. A true friend of Lithuania."
Foreign Minister Linkevičius wrote that "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 of the greatest moral giants of our time."
Senator McCain was awarded the Grand Cross of Commander of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas for merits to Lithuania.
