President Obama gave an emotional farewell speech to outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder in which he choked up saying goodbye to "a great friend and a great public servant."

"Eric is America's third longest attorney general, " the president said during his speech. "I know it felt even longer," Obama quipped.

Obama added, "And I'll just come out and say it -- he has been one of our finest."

The president seemed especially choked up calling Holder a "good man" and said he was glad that young Americans were able to witness such a man in a powerful government position.

"You know, 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," Obama said on Friday, adding, "and something that shapes our future in ways we don't even understand."

An also tearful Holder addressed the crowd saying, "I lack the words to fully convey what this place [DoJ] and all of you mean to me, 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. Thank you and goodbye."

Surprise guest Aretha Franklin performed a rousing rendition of America the Beautiful eliciting more tears from Obama and Holder.

Video below via Daily Mail: