that resulted in the flags here at half staff. the white house initially resisted lowering the flags which is a long standing practi tradition that many presidents have followed. we asked press secretary sarah sanders about the change here at the white house. the president's second statement started the lowering of the flags. and addressed mccain service and that statement spoke for itself. dave and laura. >> thank you, abby. senator mccain had one final message for americans in a letter read by his long time aide rick davis. to connect our country rather than focus on divisions. >> we weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries which sown