Friends and colleagues are mourning the passing of former Georgia Secretary of State and U.S. Sen. Max Cleland. Cleland, who also served as head of the U.S. Veterans Administration, died Tuesday at his Atlanta home from congestive heart failure, according to reports. He was 79.
A U.S. Army veteran, Cleland lost his right forearm and both legs during the Vietnam War after a grenade exploded near his unit in an accident during the Battle of Khe Sanh. He was 25 at the time. He later authored a book about his Vietnam experience and overcoming it titled, Strong at the Broken Places.
Cleland returned home to Georgia from the war and, two years later, was elected to the Georgia State Senate where he served from 1971-75.
When then Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter was elected president, he appointed Cleland to lead the U.S. Veterans Administration. Cleland was VA director from 1977 to 1981. In 1982, he was elected Georgia’s Secretary of State, a position he held for 14 years. When longtime Georgia Sen. Sam Nunn retired, Cleland ran for the seat, defeating Republican Guy Millner.
Cleland served one term in the U.S. Senate before losing to Republican Saxby Chambliss in the 2002 election. In 2009, President Barack Obama nominated him to serve as secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, a position he held until Obama left office.
Reflecting on his former Senate colleague’s life and death, President Biden Tuesday released a statement calling Cleland an ‘American hero.”
“As a 25-year-old serving in the 1st Cavalry Division of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Max lost both of his legs and his right arm in a grenade explosion at Khe Sanh. After grueling months in the hospital, enduring multiple surgeries and a long road back to recovery, Max turned his pain into purpose. He continued his distinguished public service, becoming a lifelong champion of the dignity and rights of working people and America’s wounded veterans.”
Biden also reflected on his time serving with Cleland in the U.S. Senate.
“He was a man of unflinching patriotism, boundless courage, and rare character. I was proud to have Max by my side. He will be remembered as one of Georgia’s and America’s great leaders.”
MORE: Max Cleland’s life of courage and public service celebrated at U.S., Georgia capitols
Former President Carter released this statement upon news of Cleland’s death: “Rosalynn and I join thousands of Americans in mourning the loss of our dear friend Max Cleland. A true American hero who was no stranger to sacrifice, Max gave of his talents in service as a Georgia state senator, secretary of state, head of the VA, and U.S. senator. We are grateful for his commitment to the citizens of the United States, but also for the personal role he played in our lives. We know his legacy of courage and dedication will serve as inspiration for generations to come.”
The Georgia House of Representatives, currently in special session for redistricting, held a special moment of remembrance for Cleland.
Remembering Max Cleland
Led by Georgia State Representatives Scott Holcomb and Calvin Smyre, the Georgia House remembers former U.S. Senator Max Cleland. #gapol
Holcomb says he finished all of his conversations with his mentor and fellow veteran with “I love you brother” pic.twitter.com/YXCWvHq5Ww
— Rahul Bali (@rahulbali) November 9, 2021
Georgia Secretary of Agriculture and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Gary Black acknowledged the former senator’s love for his home state and inspiring nature.
Max Cleland loved Georgia. He courageously inspired others to be “Strong at the Broken Places.” Please join Lydia and I in praying for his family and loved ones today.
— Gary Black (@GaryBlackForGA) November 9, 2021
Other tributes poured in through the media and online.
