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President Barack Obama praised outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder on Friday, saying that the departing Justice Department head would go down in history as one of the agencys finest leaders.

In an emotional farewell speech to a long-serving confidante and loyalist, Mr. Obama said, with Eric Holder as its lawyer, America has become a better countrywhich means that saying goodbye is bittersweet.

Mr. Holder, who has been a lightning rod for criticism from conservatives during his six-year tenure at the helm of the department, is set to depart as soon as the Senate confirms a successor. Loretta Lynch, Mr. Obamas nominee to replace Mr. Holder, won some Republican support in a key committee vote this week, paving the way for a confirmation full Senate vote in the coming weeks.

Mr. Obama pointed to hundreds of terrorism convictions, the largest mafia take down in history, billion dollar financial fraud cases, long overdue reforms to our criminal justice system as just some of Mr. Holders accomplishments in office.

Thanks in part to Erics leadership, the overall crime rate and overall incarceration rate declined together for the first time in 40 years, the president said. He also identified the Justice Departments focus on civil rights, voting rights, hate crimes and human trafficking as notable areas of accomplishment.

Having good men in positions of power of authority who are willing to fight for whats right thats a rare thing. Thats a powerful thing. Its something that shapes our future in ways we dont even understand, Mr. Obama said. As he finished speaking, the president appeared to wipe a tear from his eye.

Mr. Holder said his work was unfinished, saying that changes still needed to be made to the criminal justice system, historic wrongs inflicted on Native Americans need to be righted, income inequality must be reversed and at all costs, the right to vote must be protected.

He also promised that he loved the Department of Justice more than any other attorney general.

I lack the words to fully convey what this place and all of you mean to me, he said. So let me end this way and paraphrase Duke Ellington: I will miss you as I have loved you all: madly. I love you madly.

The ceremony featured a surprise appearance from Aretha Franklin, who sang a soaring version of God Bless America. At the end, with music still playing, she improvised praise for Mr. Holder.

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Obama Gives Emotional Farewell Speech at Holder Event

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"I think about all the young people out there who have seen you work and have been able to get just an innate sense, without knowing you personally, that you're a good man," Obama said at the event, which marked the unveiling of Holder's official portrait, and was held at the Department of Justice. " And having good men in positions of power and authority, who are willing to fight for what's right, that's a rare thing. That's a powerful thing."

Holder, who is expected to be replaced by nominee Loretta Lynch, has faced sharp criticism from conservatives and was a polarizing figure for Republicans for his role in high profile and contentious political battles since the start of Obama's presidency. But as the ceremony showed, he also has staunch defenders.

Obama highlighted his work on immigration, same-sex marriage and protecting voting rights, but it was in talking about the personal impact Holder has had on Americans that Obama grew visibly emotional. Obama described how Holder's work with "My Brother's Keeper" -- a program dedicated to providing mentorship for young men of color -- revealed his passion to make a difference.

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In his own comments Holder expressed gratitude to those who shaped his time at the Department of Justice and throughout his life.

"I'm grateful to this great nation who gave a black kid from East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City more support and opportunities than any individual could have hoped for."

But he also highlighted all that he felt still needed to be accomplished after his departure.

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"We still have unfinished business and work to do, reform of our criminal justice system must continue," Holder said. "The historic wrongs visited upon our native people must be righted. The widening gap of income inequality must be reversed, and in the defense of our nation, we must always adhere -- always adhere -- to the values that define us."

As the ceremony came to a close a surprise guest was introduced -- Franklin. Walking on stage she embraced Obama and Holder (only the President got a fist bump).

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Obama, Aretha Franklin give emotional tribute to Eric Holder