Widow breaks into tears as Trump delivers tribute to slain husband, Navy SEAL Ryan Owens

The widow of the Navy SEAL who became the first military casualty of the Trump administration broke into tears during President Donald Trump's tribute to her husband during his address to Congress on Tuesday night.

Carryn Owens, who sat near first lady Melania Trump and first daughter Ivanka Trump as a special guest of the president's during the speech, broke down as Trump honored her husband's sacrifice to the nation.

"We are blessed to be joined tonight by Carryn Owens, the widow of a U.S. Navy Special Operator, Senior Chief William "Ryan" Owens," Trump began. "Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero –- battling against terrorism and securing our Nation."

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He quoted Secretary of Defense James "Mad Dog" Mattis, who told him that "Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies."

Trump's words inspired one of the longest ovations of the evening as cameras cut to Carryn Owens, who cried during the stirring tribute.

Owens died during a ground mission in Yemen a little more than a week after Trump took office. More than a dozen al-Qaeda militants and 20 civilians, including women and children, were also killed in the attack.

The president briefly broke from his prepared remarks, saying Ryan must be looking proudly down from heaven at the "record" likely set, an apparent reference to the long ovation.

"Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity," Trump continued in his speech. "For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom –- we will never forget Ryan."

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While Carryn Owens has accepted the kindness and support from the Trump White House, his father has been more critical. Bill Owens, who is also a veteran, refused to meet the president when he traveled to Dover Air Force Base to pay his respects to the slain SEAL.

"Don't hide behind my son's death to prevent an investigation," his father told the Miami Herald.

"I want an investigation. ... The government owes my son an investigation," he said.