America lost a legend this week.

First Lady Barbara Bush passed away at the age of 92. The wife of George H.W. Bush and mother of George W. Bush left a legacy of service, philanthropy and raw honesty in the public arena. She was beloved for those traits, especially by those who knew her closest.

When hundreds lined up to pay respects to the Bush family Friday at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, the love for Barbara Bush by the American people was on display.

The former first lady’s casket was lying in repose at the front of the beautiful church. George H.W. Bush was wheeled to the front of the church to pay his respects to his late wife. The two were married for 73 years. He then greeted well wishers in the church. But long before the crowds arrived, and long after the crowds leave, the Secret Service remained guarding the late first lady.

According to a local reporter, some of the service members had been with Bush for decades and were “refusing” to leave her side.

Barbara Bush’s Secret Service detail, several of whom have been been with her for decades, refuse to leave her side until she is buried. Very powerful. pic.twitter.com/zAmotYTXsC

— John P. Lopez (@LopezOnSports) April 20, 2018

Getty photographers captured the haunting, powerful images of the Secret Service guarding the former first lady inside the empty church.

Truly a legacy to be honored.