WASHINGTON — John McCain's daughter Meghan McCain was the first to eulogize him Saturday, noting his breeding as son and grandson of admirals, accomplishments across the world and tenderness as a father despite his tribulations.
“My father had every reason to think the world was an awful place…my father had every reason to think the world was worth leaving," she said. "He did not think those things.”
She also fiercely spoke on behalf of his legacy.
“We gather here to mourn the passing of American greatness, the real thing, not cheap rhetoric from men who will never come near the sacrifice he gave so willingly, nor the opportunistic appropriation of those who lived lives of comfort and privilege while he suffered and served," she said. "He was a great fire who burned bright. In the past few days my family and I have heard from so many of those Americans who stood in the warmth and light of his fire."
PHOTOS: All the politicians, celebrities attending McCain's funeral
Former Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama, former Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger will give tributes.
McCain's son Jimmy will read the poem "The Requiem."
McCain's close friend, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., will read from the gospels.
Bush was McCain's rival in the 2000 presidential race. The senator withdrew after losing a series of primaries to Bush on Super Tuesday. McCain later supported his former adversary.
As the GOP nominee in 2008, McCain lost to Obama. In McCain's concession speech at the Arizona Biltmore, he graciously spoke of the significance of Obama's win, as the first African-American to hold the presidency.
On Sunday, McCain will be buried in the cemetery at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Services will be private.
This story will be updated.
