Biden Pays Tribute to Powell: ‘A Patriot of Unmatched Honor and Dignity’
President Joe Biden honored former Secretary of State Colin Powell , remembering him as “one of our great Americans.” Biden issued a statement on Monday, paying tribute to Powell who died due to complications from…
President Joe Biden honored former Secretary of State Colin Powell, remembering him as “one of our great Americans.”
Biden issued a statement on Monday, paying tribute to Powell who died due to complications from COVID-19. He was 84.
“Jill and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and patriot of unmatched honor and dignity, General Colin Powell,” Biden said.
He noted Powell “rose to the highest ranks of the United States military and to advise four presidents,” adding, “He believed in the promise of America because he lived it. And he devoted much of his life to making that promise a reality for so many others.”
The president reflected on his time working with Powell as a senator while he served as national security adviser, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and secretary of state.
“Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nation’s strength and security above all. Having fought in wars, he understood better than anyone that military might alone was not enough to maintain our peace and prosperity,” Biden said.
He added, “From his front-seat view of history, advising presidents and shaping our nation’s policies, Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. Time and again, he put country before self, before party, before all else — in uniform and out — and it earned him the universal respect of the American people.”
Read Biden’s statement below:
Biden acknowledged Powell “repeatedly broke racial barriers, blazing a trail for others to follow in Federal Government” service.