On Saturday, September 1st, I was glued to my TV. I am sure I was not alone!
The national memorial service celebrating the life of Senator John McCain was held Saturday morning at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The senator’s family, friends, congressional colleagues and staff, as well as U.S. and international leaders attended and participated in the service.
Clay Aiken was in attendance at this beautiful celebration. Both Clay and Meghan McCain have said more than once that they are good friends. I am glad that Clay was there to give support and love to his dear friend.
Many of the news websites listed the name of the people who were in attendance at the ceremony. Clay’s name was listed along with many other well-known people.
From Politico:
…Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), Jay Leno, Rudy Giuliani, Bill Kristol, , Dikembe Mutombo, former Sen. Bob Dole (R-Ky.) and former Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.), Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Clay Aiken, Tom Brokaw, Jake and Jennifer Tapper, Judy Woodruff and Al Hunt, Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Tom Udall (D-N.M.)…
For me, one of the highlights in the ceremony was Renee Fleming singing Danny Boy. According to CNN:
Famed opera singer Renee Fleming sang “Danny Boy” at McCain’s funeral. McCain requested that the song be performed at his funeral because he often listened to it while sitting on his porch in Arizona as he battled brain cancer.
Fleming, who is currently starring in “Carousel” on Broadway, took the day off from the show to perform at McCain’s funeral.
The arrangement of the song was beautiful and Renee sang the song with love.
McCain will be buried with military honors following a private service at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, Maryland, today.
Let’s take the politics out for a moment…John McCain was great man who served our country with dignity
Clay Aiken has sung many songs that fit my feelings today. His songs have beautiful lyrics and if you listen, you realize the songs are loving and supporting.
Today, I chose I Will Carry You!
(Thanks to a friend for reminding me of this song!)
Yeah, I know it hurts
Yeah, I know you’re scared
Walkin’ down
The road that leads
To who-knows-where
Don’t’cha hang your head
Don’t’cha give up yet
When courage starts
To disappear
I will be right here…
I love the following video of Clay singing on the Oprah Show
What a beautiful song!
My heart goes our to the McCain family and friends. We have lost a great man! Our politics weren't agreeable, but I did admire him for his courage and sincerity! I'm glad that Clay was there to love and support his dear friend, Meghan! Love the video of OMC's slow version of "I Will Carry You"
I also was watching the funeral for John McCain yesterday and during the days leading up to it. I had no idea that Clay was among those in attendance. So glad he got to be there to lend his support to Meghan.
What a great tribute to Sen. John McCain and his family. Sen. John McCain was a true HERO and a great Senator but most of all a GREAT AMERICAN he will be missed I feel like I lost someone in my family He was so well loved. Senator McCain may God Bless you and your family You will be missed. RIP Sir I will be praying for your family. Please keep watching over our country. Thank you Clay for being with the family.
what a amazing tribute to a great man senator john McCain we didlose a great man I had no idia that clay was in attendance im glad he was there to saport his friend meghan my heart also goes to the macain family and friends may god comfort you in your sad time of greif may he wach over you senator john macain rip you will indeed be missed please continue to watch over our country thanks clay for being there for meghanmacain as she greifs the loss of her father
Thanks for being there and singing this beautiful song you are a great humanitarian I love your compassion Clay as well as that beautiful voice God gave you.