Although I didn’t go inside the Capitol to view John McCain lying in state, I’m happy I made the effort to go down there. The number of people standing for hours in the heat to pay their final respects was awe-inspiring. A crowd gathered outside National Cathedral during the funeral as well, and people lined the streets of Annapolis with flags and signs saying “Thank you” as the hearse passed by. Who would have ever imagined such a national outpouring of grief for a politician – not even a president, but a senator.

I’m sad that he died and sad for his friends and family, but most of all I’m sad for the country because I think he passed away at a time when we needed him the most.

The sign says it all, posted earlier: