Colin Powell remembered as a model for future generations

A military bearer team carries the casket after the funeral for former Secretary of State Colin Powell (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Colin L Powell, the soldier-diplomat who became the first black secretary of state, has been remembered by family and friends as a principled man of humility and grace whose decorated record of leadership can serve as a model for generations to come.

“The example of Colin Powell does not call on us to emulate his resume, which is too formidable for mere mortals,” his son, Michael, said in a touching tribute at his father’s funeral service at Washington National Cathedral.