U.S. Senator John McCain (R. – Ariz.) visited the Clinton School on Friday for a session with students and a lecture on public service that drew more than 600 attendees.
In his speech, McCain reflected on the impact his public service career has had on his life.
“I think the most important thing for any public servant to understand is that no matter how prestigious or obscure your office or how long or briefly you serve or how much recognition you receive or don’t receive, you will end your service more indebted for the privilege than entitled to reward. You’ll have already received the greatest reward any of us can ever earn – your self-respect,” McCain said.
A Vietnam War veteran, McCain also took time to praise President Clinton for his efforts to initiate a normalized diplomatic relationship with the country in 1995. Doing so was not politically popular at the time, McCain said, but it was the right decision.
“If President Clinton had put his political interests before the country’s interests, the problem would have been left for another President to solve,” McCain said. “But he didn’t do that. He did the right thing. And the right thing is often the hard thing.”
Click here for the full text of McCain’s speech. A video of McCain’s lecture will be posted soon at Clinton School Speakers
McCain has led a distinguished career in public office, having first been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982. Winner of the 2008 Republican nomination for president, McCain is currently serving his fifth term in the U.S. Senate.
Prior to his political career, McCain served 22 years in the U.S. Navy, including five and a half years as a POW in North Vietnam. His naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
McCain currently serves on the following Senate Committees during the 113th Congress: Armed Services Committee; Committee on Foreign Relations; Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Committee on Indian Affairs.
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