Ben Bradlee, the longtime executive editor of The Washington Post during some of its proudest moments, was remembered as a "journalistic warrior'' Wednesday during his funeral at Washington National Cathedral.
Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and many government officials and journalists were among hundreds who filled the massive church. Few cities could honor a gruff, profane and aggressive journalist quite like Washington.
Bradlee died last week at 93 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease in recent years.
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were among eight men who paid tribute to the man who led the Post newsroom from 1968 to 1991 -- through the coverage of the Watergate scandal that toppled the presidency of Richard Nixon and elevated the newspaper to new heights.
"What is the central part of his character?'' Bernstein said. "It's this: He was not afraid.''
Longtime Washington Post Editor Ben Bradlee Lauded at National Cathedral Service
Copyright AP - Associated Press
