Some Garfield fans were left scratching their heads over Thursday’s cartoon, which seemed vaguely connected to Veterans Day, and could have been interpreted as mocking the holiday.

Quickly responding to complaints, the author, Jim Davis issued this statement:

Dear Friends, Fans, and Veterans:

In what has to be the worst timing ever, the strip that runs in (Thursday’s) paper seems to be making a statement about veterans. It absolutely, positively has nothing to do with this important day of remembrance.

Regarding (Thursday’s) Garfield comic strip , it was written almost a year ago and I had no idea when writing it that it would appear today — of all days. I do not use a calendar that lists holidays and other notable days so when this strip was put in the queue, I had no idea it would run on Veterans Day. What are the odds? You can bet I’ll have a calendar that lists EVERYTHING by my side in the future.

My brother Dave served in Vietnam. My son James is a Marine who has had two tours of duty, both in Iraq and Afghanistan. You’d have to go a long way to find someone who was more proud and grateful for what our veterans have done for all of us.

Please accept my apologies for any offense (Thursday’s) Garfield may have created. It was unintentional and regrettable.

Jim Davis

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