WASHINGTON — John Warner devoted his entire life to public service.
He is being remembered fondly by many people across Virginia and around the country. The former United States Senator died Tuesday night, at age 94.
Warner pushed for a stronger military and was a voice of moderation and bipartisanship.
"I stood up for something I believe in, and that is putting principle ahead of politics," he said in 1996.
Thirty years a senator. Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Secretary of the Navy. A Sailor. A Marine. And he was married to the actress Elizabeth Taylor for a time.
But, more than anything, Warner will be remembered for reaching across the aisle and being a statesman.
"John Warner was a remarkable guy," said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Virginia), who was not related to Warner, and who lost to him when he ran against him in 1996.
"Virginia lost a great statesman," Mark Warner continued. "Our country lost a leader that reflected the best of public services. And I lost a dear friend and mentor."
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) also weighed in.
"His service as a senator... Virginia has such a debt to this man," he said. "And I feel such a sense of loss."
The Navy thought so highly of him, it named the Virginia Class Fast Attack submarine USS John Warner after him. The General Dynamics Electric Boat-Newport News Shipbuilding-built vessel was commissioned in 2015.
Former Virginia 2nd District Congressman Bill Whitehurst said Warner was a fierce advocate for the military, and, just a really good guy.
"I just have nothing but the best memories," he said. "He was a good senator and a good friend, a real straight shooter."
Said Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin: "From his early days serving in the military to his distinguished careers at the Pentagon and in the United States Senate, Senator Warner set an enduring example of principled leadership. Throughout his long public career, Senator Warner stood up for our men and women in uniform and made lasting contributions to our national security."
Christopher Newport University Political Science Professor Quentin Kidd also praised Warner.
"We're definitely a better Commonwealth and a better nation because we had 30 years of Senator John Warner."
Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia, 1st District) said, "He served as an example of how American and Virginia politics should work, with his level-headed bipartisan approach to the legislative process.
Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia, 3rd District) said, "John set the tone for how Democrats and Republicans should work together for the betterment of all Virginians."
And, Governor Ralph Northam (D-Virginia) said, "Virginia and America have lost a giant."
In honor of Warner, Northam ordered Virginia state flags to be flown at half-staff over the Virginia Capitol on the day of his funeral.