After battling brain cancer for over a year, Sen. John McCain, who worked in the Senate for 31 years, died last Saturday causing the Senate to lose one of its longest standing Republican representatives.

“John McCain’s life is proof that some truths are timeless,” Former Vice President Joe Biden said. “Character. Courage. Integrity. Honor. A life lived embodying those truths casts a long shadow. John McCain will cast a long shadow. His impact on America hasn’t ended. Not even close.”

Like many men his age, McCain spent his early twenties fighting in the Vietnam War, where he became a prisoner of war. After being rescued and returning to the U.S, he pursued a career in politics.

“Few of us have been tested the way John once was, or required to show the kind of courage that he did,” Former President Barack Obama said. “But all of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above our own. At John’s best, he showed us what that means.”

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McCain’s ambition didn’t stop at just the Senate. In both 2000 and 2008, he ran for president. Both campaigns turned out to be unsuccessful; however, these times did not waver McCain’s attitude, as he continued to fight for what he believed in.

“I think the thing that stands out the most is that I didn’t always agree with everything [McCain] wanted to do, but I always knew that he truly believed that whatever he was trying to do would help our country,” English teacher Trina Steffes said. “And I think that’s amazing for a person; shows wonderful character.”

In July of last year, McCain was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a rapidly-growing brain tumor, and was given 14 months to live. This didn’t stop McCain from participating in political matters, even showing up to the Senate to vote no to the Affordable Care Act.

“Do not despair of our present difficulties but believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here,” McCain wrote before his death. “Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history. Farewell, fellow Americans. God bless you, and God bless America.”