Petraeus Apologizes to Standing Ovations

Looks to mend image in first speech since scandal
By Ruth Brown,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 27, 2013 7:03 AM CDT
Petraeus Apologizes to Standing Ovations
David H. Petraeus speaks at the annual dinner for veterans and ROTC students at the University of Southern California,   (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

As anticipated, David Petraeus has marked his return to public life with an apology for the sex scandal that ended his career, snagging two standing ovations in the process. "Please allow me to begin my remarks this evening by reiterating how deeply I regret and apologize for the circumstances that led me to resign from the CIA and caused such pain for my family, friends, and supporters," the former CIA chief said in a speech at the University of Southern California last night, reports Reuters.

He described himself as "keenly aware that the reason for my recent journey was my own doing," and noted that "one learns after all that life doesn't stop with such a mistake; it can and must go on." The Los Angeles Times notes one absence last night: wife Holly Petraeus, who has been making headlines in her own right recently as an advocate for military families. (More David Petraeus stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X