President Trump honored Chief Petty Officer William "Ryan" Owens at the National Prayer Breakfast Thursday, hours after he witnessed the return of his body at Dover Air Force Base.

"I just returned yesterday to join the family of Chief William Ryan Owens as America's fallen hero was returned home," Trump told hundreds of lawmakers, faith leaders and foreign officials at gathered for the annual event in Washington.

"Very, very sad but very beautiful," he said. "He died in defense of our nation. He gave his life in defense of our people. Our debt to him and our debt to his family is eternal and everlasting."

Quoting John 15:13, Trump then told the audience: "Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Owens, a member of the Navy's SEAL Team 6, was killed in a predawn raid at an al Qaeda facility last Sunday. The operation, which also left four U.S. service members wounded, marked the first military fatality under the Trump administration.

"We will never forget the men and women who wear our uniform," Trump said Thursday.