The Republican presidential candidate, Senator John McCain with his wife, Cindy, by his side, recognizes his supporters after delivering his concession speech at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix on Nov. 4, 2008.(Photo: Michael Chow / The Republic)

Cindy McCain made an emotional plea on Friday an op-ed in the US TODAY & # 39; HUI for Americans to pay tribute to his late husband, Arizona Senator, John McCain, following his example and fighting for a greater cause than & # 39; themselves.

"That was the essence of John McCain's message to our nation," she said. "We must unite, shaped by our deepest values ​​of freedom, equal justice and respect for the dignity of all, hardened by unwavering courage and integrity, and enter the arena to fight for greater great cause. "

From his military service to his time in Congress, McCain spent his life fighting for his ideals, said Cindy. "With his passing, America has realized that this is the kind of leadership we want – it's the kind of country we want to be."

McCain, 81, died last month of brain cancer and was honored in a series of moving services. Cindy McCain said that thousands of people had asked how they could honor her legacy.

"I'll tell you how," she said. "Join me in the arena, fight for a bigger cause."

She urged people to support the work of the McCain Institute for International Leadership, where "we will pay her legacy ahead." The McCain Institute is based in Washington, DC, and is managed in partnership with Arizona State University. The self-proclaimed "do-tank" aims to promote "character-driven global leadership", promote democracy and human rights, maintain strong national defense and serve "more important causes than self-interest". staff".

More: Farewell letter from Senator John McCain: "I lived and died a proud American"

More: McCain's Funeral at the National Cathedral: Tributes to the Late Senator of Arizona

McCain was a Republican throughout his political career, but his identity as a maverick who was willing to put the country above parties earned him the admiration of all political parties.

"Much of our politics, public life and public discourse may seem small, petty and petty," former President Barack Obama said at McCain's funeral. "Trafficking in controversy and outrage over property and insults – it's a tough and courageous policy, but one that was born out of fear." John asked us to be more that he asked us to be better. "

Former President George W. Bush said: "Everywhere in the world, John knew that the chief was in his midst, and in an epic life the courage and greatness of our country was written."

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