WASHINGTON - Former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle was honored Tuesday by former colleagues and staffers as his official portrait was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol.

The portrait, which will hang in the Capitol, shows the former Senate Democratic leader leaning against a chair. It was painted by Aaron Shickler, a veteran artist who also rendered the official White House portraits of President John F. Kennedy and former first lady Nancy Reagan.

Daschle gave an emotional speech in which he thanked his family and former Senate colleagues, many of whom filled the room and gave him several standing ovations.

He reflected on his time in the Senate, which he called "a powerful place."

"I cherish my time here," he said.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada praised Daschle, calling him a brother and saying he owed his job to him. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and former Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., also spoke.

"We can all be proud of a country where a boy from Aberdeen, South Dakota, can achieve so much," McConnell said.

Daschle served in Congress for more than 25 years before he was defeated by Republican Sen. John Thune in 2004. Thune was among those at the ceremony.