John McCain with Richard Nixon at POW Dinner

In this photograph, taken on May 24, 1973, President Nixon shakes the hand of returned POW John McCain. McCain retired from the United States Navy in 1981 and went on to serve the state of Arizona both in the House of Representatives and the Senate. This South Lawn event was, and still is, the biggest dinner event held on White House grounds with 126 tables, and over 1,300 guests. The dinner celebrated the recent release of U.S. POWs just three months prior.