An aide reads John McCain's final message.
(Image credit: Screenshot/Twitter/NBC News)

In the days since Sen. John McCain's death Saturday, politicians across the spectrum have showered the 81-year-old veteran with fond memories and appreciation. Now, it turns out McCain left behind a few words himself.

Rick Davis, McCain's campaign chair for his 2008 presidential run, appeared Monday to read a statement from the late senator to his "fellow Americans." That term "has meant more to me than any other," McCain wrote in the statement Davis read. He further implored Americans to stay steadfast, writing: "Do not despair of our present difficulties. Americans never quit, we never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history."

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Kathryn Krawczyk

Kathryn is a graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in magazine journalism and information technology, along with hours to earn another degree after working at SU's independent paper The Daily Orange. She's currently recovering from a horse addiction while living in New York City, and likes to share her extremely dry sense of humor on Twitter.