Americans bid McCain solemn farewell with US Capitol honour

Americans paid their final respects Friday to John McCain as the national icon lay in state in the US Capitol as part of a momentous sendoff for the war hero and statesman.

McCain's widow Cindy, his seven children and his 106-year-old mother Roberta McCain joined scores of members of Congress, state governors, diplomats and other dignitaries to bid the senator farewell.

President Donald Trump, who had feuded bitterly with McCain, was notably absent from the somber ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, an honour accorded to just 30 Americans throughout the nation's history.

The last visit to Washington by McCain -- who died last Saturday at age 81 after a yearlong battle with cancer -- is being spread out over two days with former presidents George W Bush and Barack Obama to eulogise him during a memorial service Saturday at the city's National Cathedral.

Just before 11:00 am (1500 GMT) Friday, a military honour guard carried the flag-draped casket up the Capitol stairs, moving one deliberate step at a time, while inside the Rotunda dark-suited mourners stood at silent attention.

The silver-haired Roberta McCain -- whose presence was only confirmed on the eve of the ceremony -- appeared composed as she drew near her son's casket in a wheelchair, making the sign of the cross on her chest.

Seated beside her granddaughter Meghan McCain, she held the young woman's hand and appeared to comfort her as she wept.

Vice President Mike Pence -- who represented Trump at the ceremony -- began his tribute with an address to McCain's family, and particularly his mother.

"It is deeply humbling to stand before you today at the United States Capitol to commemorate the life and service of an American patriot, senator John McCain," Pence said.

"The president asked me to be here, on behalf of a grateful nation, to pay a debt of honour and respect to a man who served our country throughout his life, in uniform and in public office."
McCain meanwhile took a final swipe at Trump in a farewell message to the nation, delivered posthumously on Monday, warning not to "confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries."