NBC dignitaries like Tom Brokaw, Brian Williams and public forces like Gov. Cuomo and Maria Shriver recalled their fondest memories of the "Meet the Press" icon during a packed invitation-only memorial service.
Russert's son Luke also delivered remarks, after giving the eulogy at a private funeral earlier in the day. Clintons were also in attendance.
The service closed with surprise satellite performance of "Thunder Road" from Bruce Springsteen, one of Russert's idols.
Held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the full hour and a half was broadcast live on MSNBC.
An amazing rainbow appeared over the capital as the service ended.
Earlier: Obama, McCain attended the private funeral, sitting next to each other per the family's request. New York's Gov. Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg also attended, traveling together.
