WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 18, 2021 - Patrick Butler, president and chief executive officer of America's Public Television Stations (APTS), made the following statement today on the passing of General Colin Powell.
“America’s Public Television Stations join our fellow citizens in mourning the loss of General Colin Powell, who set a standard of public service to which every leader and every citizen should aspire.
“Beyond his work as an Army officer and Vietnam veteran, national security advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State, General Powell lent his considerable prestige and authority to the service of America’s children, a mission we share in common.
“As co-founder of America’s Promise with his beloved wife Alma, General Powell ensured that the welfare of children was a priority not only for parents, teachers and government agencies but also for some of the nation’s largest corporations, foundations and community organizations.
“Millions of children have benefited from this work, and this progress will endure at least as long as General Powell’s storied accomplishments in military affairs and statecraft.
“It was my honor to serve briefly with General Powell during Senator Howard Baker’s tenure as White House chief of staff for President Reagan, and it was such a pleasure to know that the wise, humble, sensible, profoundly decent man the public saw over five decades in public life was just the same in private.
“May he rest in peace after all these heroic labors, and we extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Powell and his wonderful family.”
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About APTS
America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) is a nonprofit membership organization ensuring a strong and financially sound public television system and helping member stations provide essential public services in education, public safety and civic leadership to the American people. For more information, visit www.apts.org.
Contact:
Stacey Karp
202-654-4222
skarp@apts.org