Americans and envoys from around the world bid farewell Wednesday to former U.S. President George H.W. Bush in a national funeral service in Washington.

Four living former presidents -- including George W. Bush, the eldest son of the late leader -- as well as incumbent President Donald Trump and foreign envoys such as former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda attended the funeral at Washington National Cathedral.

"We're going to miss you. Your decency, sincerity and kind soul will stay with us forever," George W. Bush said in a eulogy.

The 43rd president praised his father not only for his public service, but also for being a role model as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Bush said his father's last words were "I love you, too."

Bush patted the flag-draped casket of the 41st president twice after delivering the emotional speech.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson and presidential historian Jon Meacham also delivered eulogies.

Trump did not speak. But he tweeted earlier in the day, "This is not a funeral, this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life. He will be missed!"

Trump closed the federal government Wednesday to mark a day of mourning for the late president.

A man who presided over the end of the Cold War and a strong backer of German reunification during his time in office from 1989 and 1993, George H.W. Bush died Friday at age 94.

The Republican president led a successful Gulf War, but lost re-election to Democrat Bill Clinton in 1992.

Before ascending to the presidency, Bush served as director of the Central Intelligence Agency, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, an envoy to China and a two-term vice president under President Ronald Reagan.