IN the pantheon of American heroes and great Patriots, Senator John McCain occupies a very special place not only for his heroic military service, but clear moral voice and unambiguity in exalting the nation and its citizens to treat fellow citizens with respect and dignity.
I remember clearly attending a month long military training (Warrior Leader Course) in Fort Campbell, Kentucky on the night of President Barack Obama’s historic victory over Senator John McCain in 2008 Presidential Elections.
We, the few Soldiers of African American descent could not celebrate as majority caucasian Soldiers started upturning tables and slamming and banging the doors in the common areas where we were all watching the election results in anger over President Obama’s victory and emergence as the first black President of the United States and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.
There were even reported gun shots in other hostels that we quietly retreated to our rooms while bracing for the worst.
Indeed, it was a very long night and welcome relief of a morning dawn with the concession speech by Senator John McCain.
He tempered the mood of the nation by calling and inspiring decency and the better angels in all men.
That is what leaders do.
If he had done otherwise, even the U.S. military could have faced serious challenges of containing internal mutiny within its ranks…
By Kingsley Dike
