A Vietnam veteran gave his military medallion to Cindy McCain as she left an Arizona funeral home following the death of her husband, decorated Vietnam prisoner of war Sen. John McCain.
David Carrasco was one of several well-wishers who came to pay their respects to Arizona’s senior senator, who died on Saturday at the age of 81.
“This was given to me at one of the ceremonies for Vietnam veterans,” Carrasco told Cindy McCain. “It would be my honor to present this to you on our behalf.”
Carrasco said he came to honor McCain and was surprised when Cindy McCain, dressed in black and wearing black sunglasses, walked out of the funeral home and began talking to him.
“I gave her a medallion that was presented to me over two years ago, during Operation Freedom Bird,” Carrasco told The Washington Post. “When she came out, that was the first thought that came to me. I wanted to give her something that related to her husband’s service.”
Carrasco said he wanted Cindy McCain to feel comfort knowing that other Vietnam vets where there supporting her husband.
“I couldn’t help but get somewhat emotional. I didn’t think I would get emotional,” he said. “But to know that someone from his era was here, it probably meant a lot to her. Even though her husband isn’t here, we’re here.”