GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - Sen. John McCain and the late Congressman Morris Udall were recognized Wednesday for their work to protect the Grand Canyon. The two earned praise for their ability to cross party lines to get the job done.
The Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon Association unveiled a rendering of a plaque going up to honor McCain and Udall.
Cindy McCain was there to thank the organizations on behalf of her husband.
“I’m just glad that people recognize them and love them as much as we do,” Cindy McCain said.
Though McCain was an eager, Republican freshman senator and Udall was a patient Democratic congressman, the two struck up an unlikely friendship lasting until Udall’s last days battling Parkinson’s disease.
Udall’s daughter, Judith Udall, spoke on behalf of her family, focusing on the personal relationship between her late father and McCain.
“Senator, I don’t know what you said or read, but you can be sure that Dad was listening and was comforted by your presence,” Judith Udall said, recalling McCain’s hospital visits during Udall’s last days.
During healthier times, McCain and Udall worked together, protecting the state’s natural monuments like the Grand Canyon and taking on issues plaguing Arizona’s Native American tribes.
Other state leaders there to recognize the honorees included Gov. Doug Ducey, who praised the two for, “the example they gave of true bipartisanship and working together to not only protect this American masterpiece, but to benefit the people of Arizona and America and all the visitors from around the world that get to enjoy this beautiful monument.”
Wednesday, McCain was taking some time for himself as he continued his fight against brain cancer. His wife said McCain would return to D.C. but when that would be was still unknown.
“No, not yet, but he’s doing good,” Cindy McCain said.
The Arizona senator was well enough to send a message read by his wife.
“My friends, thank you for this tremendous honor which I am humbled to share with my beloved friend, mentor and hero […] and thank those still working to preserve this masterpiece for generations to come. I am truly grateful for this incredible honor,” Cindy McCain read.
Work on the plaque was still in progress Wednesday, but when it’s ready, it will be displayed near the visitor center in the South Rim.