ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has ordered flags lowered to half-staff to honor U.S. Sen. John McCain, who has died after battling brain cancer for more than a year.
A statement Sunday from the Maryland Secretary of State's office said the flags will be lowered until McCain is buried.
Hogan said in a statement that McCain "will forever remain one of most valiant heroes our country has ever known."
Hogan’s Democratic Challenger Ben Jealous said that McCain embodied true patriotism and would be missed.
Maryland’s junior Senator Chris Van Hollen said that McCaine possessed a moral compus.
Senator Ben Cardin joined his Democratic colleague in praising McCain as an honorable public servant.
Delaware
McCain is also being remembered by leaders in Delaware.
First among them is former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden who said his Republican colleague displayed, character, courage and integrity.
He added that the country will miss him.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that Senator Chris Coons called McCain a special and unique man.
During a meeting with reporters outside his home the Delaware Democrat noted the senator’s gruff demeanor during their work and overseas trips.
Senator Tom Carper issued a statement noting that he shared a history with McCain in the U.S. Naval Academy during the Vietnam War.
The Democrat added that they were both taught to lead by example.
Observance
The Vietnam War hero, longtime Republican senator and presidential candidate died Saturday. He was 81.
McCain is expected to be honored in Arizona and in Washington before being laid to rest at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis.
The Naval Academy tweeted that it was mourning the loss of McCain, "one of our most distinguished graduates."
