MSNBC host apologizes after saying he's 'uncomfortable' calling fallen soldiers heroes .

The MSNBC host, who on the eve of Memorial Day said it makes him
“uncomfortable” to describe fallen soldiers as heroes, apologized Monday
after outcry from a top veterans group.

"On Sunday, in discussing the uses of the word "hero" to describe
those members of the armed forces who have given their lives, I don't
think I lived up to the standards of rigor, respect and empathy for
those affected by the issues we discuss that I've set for myself," Chris
Hayes, host of "Up With Chris Hayes," said in a statement. "I am deeply
sorry for that."

Veterans of Foreign Wars, in addition to a throng of conservative
bloggers and groups, slammed Hayes for being so conflicted about the
term.

"Chris Hayes' recent remarks on MSNBC regarding our fallen service
members are reprehensible and disgusting," VFW National Commander
Richard DeNoyer said in a statement to FoxNews.com. "His words reflect
his obvious disregard for the service and sacrifice of the men and women
who have paid the ultimate price while defending our nation. His
insipid statement is particularly callous because it comes at a time
when our entire nation pauses to reflect and honor the memory of our
nations' fallen heroes.