Many prominent voices on social media from Atlanta and around the nation paid tribute to former Georgia Sen. Max Cleland, a heralded Vietnam War veteran who died Tuesday at his home in Atlanta.
“U.S. Senator Max Cleland sacrificed for and served Georgia and our nation with true integrity,” Stacey Abrams tweeted. “He defended democracy, spoke up for veterans and embodied a quiet dignity that lifted all who knew him. God’s peace to his family and friends as he takes rest from his labors.”
Among those who remembered Cleland as a courageous leader included Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Atlanta Archdiocese Fr. Bruce Wilkinson.
President Joe Biden issued a statement Tuesday afternoon honoring the late senator who also once served as Georgia’s secretary of state.
“Max Cleland was an American hero whose fearless service to our nation, and to the people of his beloved home state of Georgia, never wavered. 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. His leadership was the essential driving force behind the creation of the modern VA health system, where so many of his fellow heroes have found lifesaving support and renewed purpose of their own thanks in no small part to Max's lasting impact.
I had the distinct honor of knowing Max as both a colleague and a friend during our six years together in the United States 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. Max Cleland was a good man who loved God and country. Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of his passing, and our prayers are with all those who loved him."
Former President Jimmy Carter also issued a statement calling Cleland a “dear friend.”
“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.”
Earlier in the day, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia released a statement expressing his condolences.
“Senator Cleland was a hero, a patriot, a public servant, and a friend,” he wrote. “His advice as I entered the Senate and in the early months of my tenure have been invaluable. Georgia and the nation will deeply miss him. Alisha and I are keeping Senator Cleland’s family in our prayers.”
Others shared memorable moments and notable quotations by Cleland from his term in the U.S. Senate.
Many also acknowledged Cleland’s commitment to civil rights issues and veterans affairs.
Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said Cleland “was a hero of mine.”
Author Keith Boykin recalled when the moderate Democrat lost his Senate seat to Republican Saxby Chambliss in 2002.
Those paying tribute included Cleland’s former colleagues and those he helped along the way.
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