The largest veterans group in the U.S. said on Monday it wanted an immediate apology from the host of an MSNBC show who said he was “uncomfortable describing fallen soldiers has heroes.”

The comment was made by Chris Hayes, while starting a panel discussion on Sunday during his show Up with Chris Hayes. At the beginning of the show, prior to the panel discussion he said, “It is very difficult for me to talk about those who have died in the war and the fallen without invoking the word heroes.”

He tried to say what it was that makes him uneasy by saying, “I am uncomfortable about using the word hero because it seems that it gives justification for having more wars.”

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, plus a huge throng of conservative groups and bloggers slammed the host for his comments that are conflicted about the word.

The VFW issued a statement said in part, “Hayes’ recent comments on his show regarding fallen service members were reprehensible and thoroughly disgusting.”

It continued, “His words are an obvious reflection of his disregard for the sacrifice the men and women of our armed forces have paid while trying to defend our country. It comes at a time when the nation is pausing to honor and reflect on the memory of the fallen heroes of our nation.”

Hayes tried to couch his remarks during the show and said his concerns could be unjustified. He said he did not want to disrespect or desecrate the memory of the fallen and there are obvious times he said where there is tremendous, genuine heroism.