Dick Cheney Funeral: Former VP remembered at Washington National Cathedral memorial service

Funeral held for former VP Dick Cheney

Former Presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden were among the hundreds of mourners honoring the life of former Vice President Dick Cheney in Washington on Thursday. He's considered one of the most polarizing, yet influential figures in American politics.

WASHINGTON - Former vice president Dick Cheney was remembered Thursday at a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral.

Dick Cheney's Funeral

Dick Cheney, former U.S. vice president, speaks during the Global Business Summit in New Delhi, India, on Monday, March 27, 2017. The Global Business Summit ends on March 28. Photographer: Anindito Mukherjee/Bloomberg via Getty Images

What we know:

Cheney died on November 3 from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. He was 84.

Former President George W. Bush eulogized the man who served him as vice president. "Solid and rare and reliable," Bush said of Cheney, praising a man whose "talent and his restraint" exceeded his ego. "Smart and polished, without airs."

George W. Bush speaks at Dick Cheney funeral: FULL

Former president George W. Bush shares his memories of times with his vice president Dick Cheney at the longtime politician's funeral service.

Former President Joe Biden attended, as did former Vice Presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore and Dan Quayle. Former longtime Senate leader Sen. Mitch McConnell and former House speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi were also in attendance.

Cheney’s daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney, and his grandchildren, delivered tributes.

In addition to serving as vice president under the 43rd president, Cheney was defense secretary under President George H.W. Bush and chief of staff to President Gerald Ford. He also represented Wyoming as its lone member of the House, a seat later held by his daughter.

Dick Cheney Funeral: Liz Cheney FULL SPEECH

Former Vice President Dick Cheney's daughter, Liz, speaks at her dad's funeral on Nov. 20, 2025.

President Donald Trump and his administration offered little comment after Cheney’s death and has had strained ties with the Cheney family. The White House lowered its flags to half-staff after Cheney’s death, as required by law, but Trump did not issue the customary presidential proclamation. He was not invited to the memorial service.

At a morning event, Trump’s vice president, JD Vance, was asked about Cheney and said, "Obviously there’s some political disagreements there but he was a guy who served his country. We certainly wish his family all the best in this moment of grieving." Vance was also not invited to the funeral.

WATCH: Biden, Harris, Pence, and Bush arrive at Dick Cheney's funeral service

Former presidents and vice presidents arrive at the funeral service for former Vice President Dick Cheney at Washington National Cathedral.

Cheney is widely regarded as a chief architect of the U.S. response to the Sept. 11 attacks and a driving force behind the invasion of Iraq. He consistently defended the sweeping tools of surveillance and detention adopted after 9/11. 

Bush credited him with helping keep the nation safe and stable during a perilous time.