13:03The body of former Vice President Dick Cheney is carried by U.S. military personnel, with former President George W. Bush present, at the memorial service held at the National Cathedral on November 20, 2025, in Washington.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The Washington National Cathedral hosted the funeral for past Vice President Dick Cheney on Thursday, as numerous prominent political figures attended the service honoring a man regarded as one of the most significant vice presidents in the nation's history.
Delivering the tribute was former President George W. Bush, in whose administration Cheney served for two terms. Bush recalled the instant he came to the determination to select Cheney as his running mate.
"Most individuals in this situation would have eagerly seized the opportunity. However, Dick remained objective and thoroughly examined it. Prior to my final choice, he insisted on providing me with a comprehensive list of all the justifications for why I should refrain from selecting him," Bush stated.
"Ultimately, I placed confidence in my assessment. I recall my father's statement when I informed him of my intentions. He remarked, 'Son, you couldn't find a finer individual,'" Bush recalled.
Former President George W. Bush delivers remarks during the funeral observance for previous U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, at Washington National Cathedral, in Washington, November 20, 2025.Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Bush recounted that in 2004, Cheney suggested he step down if Bush wished to replace him. Bush reflected that he pondered it, but "following four years of witnessing his conduct toward others, the manner in which he shouldered responsibility, his capacity to handle pressure and absorb criticism, I reverted to the conviction that no one surpasses Dick Cheney."
"On that matter, history ought to note that I selected my vice president not just once, but on two occasions," Bush expressed.
U.S. military body bearers carry the casket containing the remains of former Vice President Dick Cheney as former President George W. Bush stands, at his funeral service at the National Cathedral, November 20, 2025 in Washington.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Following Bush, Cheney's grandchildren and his daughter, Liz, offered their words.
Liz Cheney, who, like her father, formerly represented Wyoming in Congress, indicated that President John F. Kennedy served as an inspiration for him to devote his life to public duty.
"Dick Cheney transitioned into a Republican, yet he comprehended that partisan allegiances must always take a backseat to the shared bond we possess as Americans," she conveyed. "For him, the preference between upholding the Constitution and defending your political affiliation was not a difficult decision at all."
Bush was observed wiping away tears as Liz Cheney honored her father in her speech.
Former Representative Liz Cheney, the daughter of the late former Vice President Dick Cheney, delivers remarks during a memorial observance for her father, at Washington National Cathedral, in Washington, November 20, 2025.Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
Former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush are present at the memorial for former Vice President Dick Cheney held at the National Cathedral in Washington, November 20, 2025.Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Shutterstock
Other speakers included Jonathan Reiner, Cheney's longtime cardiologist, and Pete Williams. Williams shared several personal stories from his time serving as Cheney's press secretary during his tenure as defense secretary under President George H.W. Bush, notably Cheney's reaction when Williams volunteered his resignation in 1991 in anticipation of being publicly identified as gay by a publication.
"He refused to consider it," Williams recounted. "Furthermore, in the days following the publication of that article, he would personally contact me on my direct line at the Pentagon to inquire about my well-being and to encourage me to focus on my duties."
Lynne Cheney, the spouse of the late former Vice President Dick Cheney, former Rep. Liz Cheney, along with other members of the family, arrive for Cheney’s funeral at the National Cathedral, November 20, 2025, in Washington.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Among the hundreds in attendance paying their respects were President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Vice President Al Gore, and former Vice President Dan Quayle.
An official from the White House verified to ABC News that President Donald Trump was not among those invited to the service. A source informed ABC News that Vice President JD Vance also did not receive an invitation.
Also present at the service were Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Mitch McConnell, Bill Kristol, Hugh Hewitt, and John Bolton, a former national security advisor for Trump.
Former President George W. Bush, along with his wife Laura Bush, former President Joe Biden, and his wife Jill Biden, are in attendance at the funeral service for the late Vice President Dick Cheney, held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, November 20, 2025.Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
Former President Joe Biden greets former Vice President Mike Pence with a handshake, while former first lady Jill Biden engages in conversation with former Vice President Kamala Harris at the memorial service for former Vice President Dick Cheney at the National Cathedral, Nov. 20, 2025, in Washington.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is present at the memorial observation for former Vice President Dick Cheney held at the National Cathedral, November 20, 2025, in Washington.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Cheney passed away on Nov. 3 at the age of 84 as a result of complications stemming from pneumonia and cardiovascular ailments.
"Dick Cheney embodied greatness and goodness; he instilled in his children and grandchildren a love for our nation and encouraged them to pursue lives characterized by courage, honor, affection, benevolence, and the enjoyment of fly fishing," conveyed the family in a statement released at the time. "We express our profound gratitude for all that Dick Cheney contributed to our country, and we acknowledge our immense fortune in having loved and been loved by this remarkable and noble individual."
A figure marked by both division and influence, Cheney dedicated four decades to service in Washington. His career included roles as a representative in Congress, secretary of defense, and ultimately, vice president.
He assumed a pivotal role in addressing the aftermath of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, which encompassed the initiation of the war on terror and the incursion into Iraq.
Vice President Dick Cheney addresses the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference 2007 in Washington March 12, 2007.Joshua Roberts/Reuters
Former Rep. Liz Cheney walks past her father’s casket after giving a tribute during the funeral for former Vice President Dick Cheney, at the Washington National Cathedral, Nov. 20, 2025, in Washington.Matt Rourke/AP
Washington National Cathedral, located only a short distance north of the White House, has functioned as the setting for several state funerals honoring former presidents, including Jimmy Carter, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and George H. W. Bush.
In the aftermath of the news regarding Cheney's passing earlier in the month, the White House lowered flags to half-staff but refrained from issuing a significant declaration.
President Trump maintained silence concerning Cheney's death. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, informed reporters that Trump was "cognizant" of his passing.
Trump and Cheney shared a history marked by tension, as Cheney emerged as a forthright critic of Trump following his endeavors to contest the 2020 election results and the siege of the U.S. Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters on Jan. 6, 2021.
Cheney, who remained a consistent voice for conservative principles throughout his life, voiced his support for Harris, the Democratic candidate, over Trump in the 2024 election. In elucidating his rationale, Cheney declared, "Donald Trump presents a threat to our republic of unparalleled magnitude."
Trump responded to this endorsement at the time by labeling Cheney an "irrelevant RINO" and "King of Endless, Nonsensical Wars, wasting Lives and Trillions of Dollars."
When approached regarding Cheney during a Breitbart news event on Thursday morning, Vice President Vance conveyed his condolences.
"Evidently, disagreements exist on certain political matters; however, he dedicated himself to serving the nation. We extend our sincere wishes to his family during this period of sorrow," Vance stated.
Hannah Demissie and Brittany Shepherd from ABC News contributed to this piece.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
