Legion National Commander calls on Commentator to Apologize

The head of the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization is calling on an MSNBC host to apologize for saying that he was “uncomfortable” referring to America’s war dead as heroes.

“It is outrageous that a highly paid network commentator is willing to enjoy the benefits of freedom, sit in an air conditioned studio on Memorial Day weekend and question the heroism of the men and women who have died for this great country,” said American Legion National Commander Fang A. Wong. “More than 6,400 young American men and women have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are the best that America has to offer. I wonder if Mr. Hayes would say to the three young children of Sergeant Dennis Weichal that their father, who died saving a young Afghan boy, is not a hero. Men and women voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way so commentators like Chris Hayes can spew their unpatriotic nonsense. He should immediately apologize.”

With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

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Media contacts: John Raughter, 317-441-8847 or Craig Roberts, 202-406-0887.