WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden and other living former U.S. presidents remembered Colin Powell – the trailblazing former secretary of state and military leader – as an American hero who led with honor, integrity and wisdom during his four decades of public service.
Powell, the nation's first Black secretary of state, died Monday of complications from COVID-19, his family said. He was 84.
A retired four-star general, Powell served as national security advisor for President Ronald Reagan, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff under George H. W. Bush and as George W. Bush's secretary of state from 2001 to 2005.
As secretary of state, Powell oversaw U.S. diplomacy in the aftermath of the Sep. 11, 2001, terror attacks and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Powell, a Republican, broke party ranks several times by endorsing Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election against Republican John McCain, Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in 2016 and Biden in the 2020 election.
More:Colin Powell, first Black secretary of state, dies from COVID-19 complications
Biden: 'Above all, Colin was my friend'
Biden ordered American flags at all public properties including the White House be flown at half-staff through Friday to recognize Powell. In a statement, he called Powell a "dear friend and a patriot of unmatched honor and dignity."
"Over our many years working together – even in disagreement – Colin was always someone who gave you his best and treated you with respect," Biden said.
Biden said Powell "embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat" and he was "committed to our nation’s strength and security above all." The president noted Powell, having fought in wars, "understood better than anyone that military might alone not enough to maintain our peace and prosperity.
"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."
Biden added, "Above all, Colin was my friend. Easy to share a laugh with. A trusted confidant in good and hard times. He could drive his Corvette Stingray like nobody’s business – something I learned firsthand on the race track when I was Vice President. And I am forever grateful for his support of my candidacy for president and for our shared battle for the soul of the nation. I will miss being able to call on his wisdom in the future."
Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden were saddened to learn about Powell's death and extended condolences to the Powell family. "Colin Powell was a good man. He will be remembered as one of our great Americans."
Bush: 'Highly respected at home and abroad'
George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush were "deeply saddened" by Powell's death, calling him "a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam."
"He was such a favorite of presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom – twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad," Bush said in a statement. "And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend. Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man."
Clintons say Powell 'lived the promise of America'
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a joint statement said Powell was a "courageous solider, a skilled commander, a dedicated diplomat and a good and decent man."
"The son of immigrants, he rose to the top levels of military, civilian and non-governmental service through intelligence, character, and the ability to see the big picture and attend to the smallest details," the Clintons said. "He lived the promise of America, and spent a lifetime working to help our country, especially our young people, live up to its own ideals and noblest aspirations at home and around the world."
The Clintons offered condolences to the Powell family "and all the people whose lives he touched through his service and example."
Carter: Powell's 'courage and integrity' an inspiration for generations
Former President Jimmy Carter said he and former first lady Rosalynn Carter "join so many around the world in mourning the loss of General Colin Powell."
"A true patriot and public servant, we were honored to work beside him to strengthen communities in the United States, help resolve conflict in Haiti, and observe elections in Jamaica. His courage and integrity will be an inspiration for generations to come. We will keep his family in our prayers during this difficult time."
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