Retired four-star Gen. David Petraeus made one of his first public appearances since November and issued a blunt apology for his part in a scandalous affair that brought down his career.
“Please allow me to begin my remarks this evening by reiterating how deeply I regret and apologize for the circumstances that led to my resignation from the CIA and caused such pain for my family, friends and supporters,” Gen. Petraeus said, to a California crowd gathered to honor the military, CNN reported. “I am also keenly aware that the reason for my recent journey was my own doing.”
Gen. Petraeus has largely avoided public appearances since November, when his adulterous affair with his biographer, Paula Broadwell, came to light. Prior, he headed up U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, before taking on a leadership role at the CIA.
Tuesday evening in California, he also publicly recognized how far his star had fallen.
“I join you, keenly aware that I am regarded in a different light now than I was a year ago,” he said, CNN reported. “But tonight is not about me. It is about your veterans. Your active duty military and your ROTC cadets.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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