Senator John McCain pictured with service members at Camp Resolute in Kabul, Afghanistan, July 4, 2017 

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, continued his long tradition of celebrating Independence Day with U.S. service members serving overseas this year in Kabul, Afghanistan. He also released the following statement:

“I can think of no place I would rather be on the day our country celebrates its independence than with the men and women selflessly serving overseas. It is always my special privilege to meet with Arizona’s own service men and women, and preside over the reenlistment of troops from across our great country, who have made the ultimate commitment so that we might to continue to rely on their courage and patriotism.

“These brave individuals epitomize love of country, forged by generations of Americans who came before them to fight and die for freedom. They have dedicated themselves to securing the liberties we so often take for granted, but that make our nation what it is today – a beacon of hope to all people held captive by oppression, violence and intolerance. As we celebrate Independence Day, may we show our gratitude and keep in our prayers the brave and selfless patriots serving around the world and their families, who shoulder our burdens every day to protect our freedom and keep us safe from harm.”

Since the September 11th attacks, Senator McCain has made it a tradition to spend Independence Day with American troops serving overseas. This is his 10^th Independence Day in the last 11 years spent with American service members serving in the Middle East.

Senator McCain is leading a bipartisan Senate delegation to the Middle East this week with Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), David Perdue (R-GA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Prior to arriving in Kabul, Afghanistan, the delegation met with foreign leaders and U.S. military officials in the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan to discuss ongoing counterterrorism operations and regional security issues.

Senator McCain also released an Independence Day video message today. Watch it here.

 

U.S. Senator John McCain with U.S. service members at Camp Resolute in Kabul, Afghanistan on July 4, 2017

Senator John McCain presides over promotion and reenlistment ceremonies for U.S. service members at Camp Resolute Support in Afghanistan on July 4, 2017

 

Senator John McCain greets U.S. service members in Afghanistan on July 4, 2017

 

Senator John McCain at Camp Resolute Support in Afghanistan on July 3, 2017

 

Senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Sheldon Whitehouse, David Perdue and Elizabeth Warren hold a town hall meeting with U.S. service members in Kabul, Afghanistan on July 4, 2017

 

Senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Sheldon Whitehouse, David Perdue and Elizabeth Warren with U.S. service members at U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan on July 4, 2017

 

Senator John McCain shares lunch with U.S. service members in Afghanistan on July 4, 2017

Senator John McCain and delegation at Camp Resolute Support in Afghanistan on July 3, 2017 

Senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Sheldon Whitehouse, David Perdue and Elizabeth Warren, and General John Nicholson at a memorial honoring U.S. & international forces in Afghanistan on July 3, 2017

Senator John McCain greets U.S. service members in Kabul, Afghanistan on July 4, 2017

 

U.S. Senator John McCain greets the President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani in Kabul, Afghanistan on July 3, 2017

Senator John McCain at Camp Resolute Support in Afghanistan on July 3, 2017

###