American Legion National Commander: Sorrow at Hiroshima but no apology

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett released the following statement today concerning the White House announcement that President Obama will visit Hiroshima, Japan.

"We are heartened that the White House promised today that President Obama will not apologize for the bombing of Hiroshima," Barnett said. "We share his sorrow for the many innocent civilians who were lost that day.  But we temper that sorrow with the joy for the many more American, Allied and Japanese lives that were saved because the war was finally brought to an end in the short aftermath that followed. President Truman was a proud Legionnaire who made a painful but brave decision. It would never be appropriate to apologize for it."

With a current membership of 2.2 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 nearly 14,000 posts across the nation.

Media Contact: In Washington: Crystal Jackson, (202) 263-5758, cell (202) 320-0408, [email protected]; Indianapolis: John Raughter, (317) 630-1350 / cell (317) 441-8847,  [email protected] 

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SOURCE The American Legion