Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell salutes the audience as he takes the stage at the Washington Ideas Forum in Washington, September 30, 2015. (Photo: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

President Joe Biden ordered flags lowered immediately to honor Powell at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida until sunset on Friday.

In his statement Monday, President Biden described Powell as a patriot of unmatched honor and dignity. He also called Powell a friend and said Powell embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat and will be remembered as one of the great Americans.

Colin Powell, the first black US Secretary of State, died from COVID-19 complications after being fully injected, aged 84.