Memorial service for Colin Powell set for Nov. 5 at Washington National Cathedral

A memorial service will be held for Colin Powell on Nov. 5 at the Washington National Cathedral, according to a spokesman for the former secretary of State.

The service, set for noon, will have “very limited seating and it will be by invitation only,” Powell spokeswoman Peggy Cifrino told multiple outlets in a written statement.

Powell, the first Black secretary of State, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman and national security adviser, died Monday at age 84 due to complications from COVID-19.

He had been fully vaccinated from the coronavirus but had a history of multiple myeloma, a common blood cancer that weakens the immune system.

Powell’s decorated military career that included two tours in Vietnam led to key military and diplomatic positions throughout the government, serving under both Democratic and Republican presidents.

He was President Reagan’s national security adviser, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush and President Clinton, and secretary of State during under President George W. Bush. 

His death brought on an outpouring of grief from current and former government officials and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, who united in praising his leadership and integrity. 

President Biden also ordered flags at the White House and federal buildings be flown at half-staff until Oct. 22 in honor of Powell.