PHOTOSPresidents Biden, Obama & Bush Unite To Honor First Black Secretary Of State Colin Powell At Private Funeral Service: Photos
Remembering an icon!
Esteemed world leaders gathered at the Washington National Cathedral on Friday, November 5, to honor the nation’s first Black Secretary of State Colin Powell.
The general tragically died on Monday, October 18 from complications of COVID-19 at 84.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden sat front row alongside former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, as well as former First Ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Sec. Hillary Clinton.
Powell’s former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage spoke during the service, quoting Eleanor Rooselvelt in his tribute.
“If, at the end, one can say this man used to the limit the powers that God granted him, he was worthy of love and respect and of the sacrifices of many people made in order that he might achieve what he deemed to be his task, then that life has been lived well and there are no regrets,” he said. “Does that sound like somebody that you know? It seems like the husband, the father, the grandfather of the Powell family.”
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright — who served under President Bill Clinton — also spoke at the ceremony honoring her colleague. “My heart is sad, for I have lost a friend,” she said before sharing memories of her time working with Powell.
“In 1993 when I began serving as America’s ambassador to the U.N., Gen. Colin Powell was already in his final months as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. At White House meetings, I came equipped with a yellow pad. He brought a laser pointer and an array of multicolored slides,” she continued. “I wore a pin. He wore a lot of medals. I was a mere mortal female civilian. In the wake of Operation Desert Storm, he was the hero of the Western World.”
The 84-year-old female pioneer concluded her speech by calling Powell “one of the greatest and most decent people any of us will ever meet.”
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Scroll through to see photos from Colin Powell's private funeral service.
Former President Obama and current President Biden exchanged a few words during the service.
Former President George W. Bush hugged his fellow pals and colleagues at the event.
Hillary's husband Bill wasn't in attendance as he's been suffering from health issues.
Madeleine Albright paid respects to her friend and colleague.
The private ceremony was held at the Washington National Cathedral in D.C.
