Today, in honor of the late Sen. John McCain’s funeral services, we’re sharing some photos of Coco Solo from our collections.

Sen. McCain was born in the United States Navy submarine base and naval air station on August 29, 1936 to the naval officer John S. “Jack” McCain Jr. and Roberta (Wright) McCain. His grandfather, John S. “Slew” McCain, was the base commander at Coco Solo when Sen. McCain was born.

The McCain family is well known for their military history. Sen. McCain’s father and grandfather were the first father and son in Navy history to become full admirals. Sen. McCain graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1958 and became a naval aviator. He retired from the Navy as a captain in 1981, moving to Arizona where he entered politics.

Any information or memories about the McCain family you would like to share in the comments section are welcome.

We find the coolest things while reprocessing the collections! Here is an invitation from the Governor of the Canal Zone for a reception with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in November 1953. Inside the envelope there is also a sheet of “protocol notes” which explain how one should act and speak in the presence of the Queen.

We transcribed these protocol notes:

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November 25, 1953

PROTOCOL NOTES

1. The following information may be of interest to guests invited to the reception for Queen Elizabeth II at the Governor’s Residence.
   a. The Queen is addressed as “Your Majesty.” During a conversation the term “Madam” is appropriate.
   b. The Duke of Edinburgh is addressed as “Your Royal Highness.” During a conversation the term “Sir” is appropriate.
   c. The following information concerning presentations is extracted from notes issued by Buckingham Palace:”Her Majesty stands on the right of the Duke of Edinburgh. On Her Majesty’s right stands the host or whoever does the presenting. Guests approach from the right, husbands in front of wives, and the host introduces each by name once only in a voice clear enough for both The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to hear. Each guest bows or curtseys and shakes hands with Her Majesty and then does the same with His Royal Highness and then passes on. The head of the queue of those to be presented should not be further than 3 yards from the host or whoever is doing the presenting.”d. Individuals being presented should not linger in front of The Queen unless invited to do so. The Queen must always initiate the conversation.

   e. In regard to ladies’ clothes, short afternoon dresses with hats and gloves are appropriate at the reception. Gloves need not be white and should not be taken off before the wearer is presented to The Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh.

2. For additional information, call Mrs. Nadeau at Balboa 3572.

*NOTE: The bow or curtsey is not required for Americans.

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Did you or anyone you knew meet the Queen during her visit?