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CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Presidents and leaders of Congress on Friday paid tribute to Sen. Robert C. Byrd, whom they said revered the U.S. Constitution, cherished the U.S. Senate, but most of all, loved his home state of West Virginia.

During a ceremony that lasted nearly 2 hours, 20 minutes on the north steps of the state Capitol, some of the most powerful figures in American politics remembered Byrd, who died Monday at age 92, not only as a Senate legend, but as a mentor and friend.

Former President Bill Clinton told the large audience that extended around the north circle of the Capitol that, in discussing Byrd's many accomplishments, speakers Friday had failed to reflect on his sly sense of humor.

As president, Clinton recalled joking with Byrd about his prodigious ability to deliver federally funded projects to West Virginia, and said voters back in Arkansas were complaining, "You're in the White House, and we don't get squat compared to him."

Byrd's response, Clinton said: "The Constitution does not prohibit humble servants from delivering whatever they can for their constituents."

Byrd never apologized for his impoverished childhood, but speakers including President Obama noted that Byrd did regret youthful decisions, including membership in the Ku Klux Klan.

In their first meeting, Obama said, Byrd told him, "There are things I regret in my youth."

However, the president added that, like the Constitution, Byrd had the capacity to change for the better.

"It seems to me that his life bent toward justice," the president said.

Obama described Byrd as a mountain eagle, declaring, "His lowest swoop was still higher than all the other birds on the planet."

Vice President Joe Biden recalled Byrd's compassionate side, noting that the late senator traveled ice-slicked roads to Delaware to attend the funeral of his wife and daughter, but remained outside the church during the service to avoid attracting attention.

"Robert C. Byrd was the most fierce defender of not only this state, but of this way of life," said Biden, who served with Byrd during 36 of Byrd's 51 years in the Senate. "He took such pride in this place. He took such pride in all of you."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., recalled that when Byrd arrived in the U.S. Senate in 1959, his highest aspiration was to become chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

"Why did he not aspire to the White House, or the governor's mansion?" Reid asked. "Because Robert C. Byrd knew that from that [committee] chair, he could best help his home of West Virginia."

Clinton also recalled how Byrd joined him in the fight to try to get health-care reform passed in the early 1990s -- but balked at Clinton's quasi-constitutional suggestion to simply amend it into the federal budget bill.

Clinton said he was grateful that, in one of Byrd's last votes, he was finally able to cast the decisive vote to pass health-care legislation last winter.

Victoria Kennedy, widow of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., recalled having tears streaming down her face as Byrd, then confined to a wheelchair, cast that vote on behalf of his late friend Kennedy, a longtime advocate of health-care reform.

"Briefly foes, they became the best of friends," she said of their unlikely alliance. "They came together to keep America's promise."

 Rep. Nick Joe Rahall, D-W.Va., said Byrd "could hobnob with kings and queens and could scold presidents," but said he was happiest sharing a modest meal of beans and cornbread as a guest in a West Virginia home.

During the memorial service under a brilliant summer sky, many of the dignitaries noted that while Byrd will be succeeded in the Senate, he will never be replaced.

That included Gov. Joe Manchin, whom many believe will seek the office in the near future.

"No one, no one, can replace our senator," Manchin said. "No one can fill his shoes, and we must never forget his tireless dedication as we try to follow in his footsteps."

Others who spoke Friday included House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. and Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.

The ceremony closed with a 21-gun salute and, as Byrd's state-flag-draped casket was escorted from the north steps, the crowd joined in singing, "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

Reach Phil Kabler at ph...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1220.