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It was the emotionally-charged moment of US President Donald Trump's first address to Congress.
The President delivered a tribute to Carryn Owens, the widow of US Navy SEAL Senior Chief William "Ryan" Owens, who was killed in January.
But questions still remain about the mission which led to her husband's death.
Key points:
- Senior Chief William "Ryan" Owens killed during raid on a branch of Al Qaeda in January
- Medics at the scene said about 30 people, including 10 women and children, died
- Mr Trump insisted it was a successful mission that "generated large amounts of vital intelligence"
Trump used the last part of his speech to give the tribute
Mr Trump, near the end of his hour-long speech, paid tribute to Mrs Owens.
She was a surprise guest whose presence in the First Lady's box wasn't announced in advance by the White House.
"The challenges we face as a nation are great," Mr Trump said.
"But our people are even greater. And none are greater or braver than those who fight for America in uniform," said Mr Trump, who then went on to say they were "blessed" to be joined by Mrs Owens.
The President then turned to the balcony where Mrs Owens sat next to his daughter, Ivanka.
It was the moment he received the loudest applause, and the only one of unity between Democrats and Republicans.
"Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero battling against terrorism and securing our nation..." Mr Trump said.
"Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity.
"For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.
"Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country and for our freedom, we will never forget him."
Questions remain over his death
Senior Chief Owens, 36, was killed in the raid on a branch of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula on January 29.
The raid was approved by Mr Trump, and was the first known combat death of a US soldier under his administration.
US officials said 14 militants were killed as well as some civilians.
Medics at the scene said about 30 people, including 10 women and children, died.
His father, Bill, who did not attend the speech, has been an outspoken critic of his son's death, denouncing the raid that took his son's life.
He also refused to meet with Mr Trump when the president greeted the Navy SEAL's remains when they were returned to the US.
Last weekend he told the Miami Herald the raid was a "stupid mission" and called for an investigation.
"Don't hide behind my son's death to prevent an investigation," the elder Owens warned Mr Trump.
But the Trump administration insists the raid was a success
During his speech, Mr Trump made the case for the mission which killed Owens.
"I just spoke to our great General Mattis who confirmed that Ryan was a part of a highly-successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemy," Mr Trump said.
While Mr Trump did not give specifics, a senior US official said earlier that the intelligence included the groups explosives manufacturing, targeting, training and recruitment practices.
The White House had initially insisted that questioning the success of the raid did a disservice to the Navy SEAL who was killed.
It followed comments from Senator John McCain that the mission was not a complete success because of Owens' death as well as the loss of an aircraft used in the mission.
REUTERS/AP
Topics: donald-trump, world-politics, foreign-affairs, united-states
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