CARROLLTON TOWNSHIP -- This Veterans Day, a famous cartoon strip is causing quite a controversy, offending many veterans and their families.
The author of Thursday’s Garfield comic strip is apologizing profusely for something he says was unintentional and regrettable (See the original story).
But some local veterans aren't so accepting.
The legendary cartoon strip Garfield is stirring up emotions this Veterans Day.
“It's ugly,” said Connie Lienczewski, the mother of veterans.
“If the guy was here that wrote that, my wife would call me an (expletive),” said Veteran Briney Lienczewski.
The comic shows a spider about to be killed by Garfield.
The spider says, "If you squish me, I shall become famous. They will hold an annual day of remembrance in my honor, you fat slob,” referring to Garfield.
Then the spider is shown in front of a group of spiders saying, "Does anyone here know why we celebrate 'National Stupid Day?'"
The strip is causing controversy among local veterans.
"I don't consider that an insult, everybody has a right, that's what everybody fought for, to give them that freedom of choice," said Veteran Wayne Miller.
“He's just another ignorant person, doesn't get it, never will,” said Connie Lienczewski.
The author of Garfield, Jim Davis, issued an apology on his web site saying, "The strip seems to be making a statement about Veterans Day. It absolutely, positively, has nothing to do with this important day of remembrance... it was written almost a year ago, and I had no idea it was going to appear today, of all days."
Davis went on saying he has several family members in the service and to please accept his sincere apologies.
“I wouldn't accept it,” said Connie Lienczewski.
This mom of two vets says mistake or not, she's disgusted.
“After you get the reaction from people you can't apologize, even if you are wrong,” said Connie Lienczewski.
But this veteran has a different take on what "National Stupid Day" really means.
“Stupid Day to me is still leaving them over there, they need to bring them all back, because we've supported these countries for ever, and it’s time to bring our people home, and leave them home," said Miller.
One thing these veterans do agree on, is honoring their fellow comrades in fighting for freedom.
