PHOENIX, Ariz. - Women, men, children and veterans, waived their flags along Interstate-17 Saturday, looking for their chance to say goodbye to Senator McCain.
Paying their respects to Senator John McCain, crowds grew along I-17, including on the Dixileta Road overpass.
“I’m a Navy veteran and just here showing my respect for Senator McCain as a Senator and as a Naval officer,” veteran Todd Struble said.
The highway on-ramps closed as the procession made its way to the mortuary on Bethany Home Road.
“He’s a great American and one of the only Republicans I can be proud of,” Brad Burke said, adding, “We’re missing a really good man. I don’t think we’ll be able to replace him.”
“John McCain symbolizes Arizona, America. My dad is a Korean War veteran. It’s important to be here. My dad would want me to be here to honor Mr. McCain,” Karen Benson said.
The motorcade made its way from the McCain ranch in Cottonwood to Central Phoenix, giving many young and old, from both sides of the aisle, the opportunity to honor a hero.
“Well, I was just here to honor a great idol in not only politics, but just our society in Arizona and I thought I’d come to honor him because he’s done such a great job in Arizona and people look up to him as an idol, not only what he’s done in the senate, but also what he’s done as a man and family man and in his beliefs, everything,” 13-year-old Clayton Johnson said.
A Department of Public Safety spokesperson said drivers should treat motorcades like an emergency. If you encounter one, pull over to the right, stay in your car and then re-enter the roadway carefully.
Saturday’s motorcade was only the beginning of several opportunities for people to pay their respects to Senator McCain.