US evangelist Billy Graham, who spent seven decades in the pulpit, marked his 95th birthday on Thursday with a rare public appearance.
"America's Pastor'' received a standing ovation from 900 people as he was wheeled into a ballroom in Asheville, North Carolina, a town near his home.
Real estate tycoon Donald Trump sat by his side as singers including Michael W. Smith, Ricky Skaggs and Kathie Lee Gifford, serenaded him with "Happy Birthday."
Mr Graham has not preached publicly since 2006 and spoke only briefly to the crowd.
He thanked his longtime music director, Cliff Barrows, who traveled with him to religious crusades and rallies around the world. He also praised the Army service of a grandson sitting at his table.
His wife, Ruth, with whom he had five children, died in 2007.
The event began with the screening of a new public message filmed by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
In a video, titled The Cross, he called for a spiritual awakening in America.
