CBS Vice President Linda Mason says in a statement released that Walter Cronkite has passed away after battling a long illness.  He was surrounded by family in his New York home when he died. Journalist everywhere mourn the death of an icon and legend.  Cronkite was a great man and one heck of an anchor.  They just don’t make them like Mr. Cronkite anymore.  Known at one point as the most trusted man in America, Walter was the first to tell the nation of the assassination of Kennedy, and subsequently mourned with the nation.  He was the voice of the turbulent 60’s and 70’s, a man that people could tune in to and get the honest facts. There is no doubt that he shaped what news anchors are today.

“Walter was truly the father of television news,” Morley Safer, a correspondent for CBS‘ “60 Minutes,” said in a statement. “The trust that viewers placed in him was based on the recognition of his fairness, honesty and strict objectivity.”

Cronkite openly protested the need for U.S. presence in Vietnam saying on air that the war was unwinnable and the U.S. should pull out.  President Johnson saw the program and reportedly turned to an aide and said, “If I’ve lost Cronkite, I’ve lost Middle America.” Many speculated that this was a major turning point and possibly a reason Johnson offered to negotiate with the North Vietnamese and decided not to run for a second term.  His honest on-air candor was revolutionary, no war had been declared over by an anchorman.  He had that much clout.

Walter Cronkite was there for some of our most historical events, his achievements too many to list.

He was a great man, a honest man, a respected man, and he will be missed.  Although we have lost an icon, his legacy will live on forever.  Continuing to inspire young journalist and anchors everywhere to strive to be better.

You can go here to read up on his story and how he came to be the voice and face of a generation.