( CNN ) -- Jim Davis , the creator of the widely-syndicated `` Garfield '' comic has issued an apology for an ill-timed strip that ran on Veterans Day . The strip , which appeared in newspapers nationwide Thursday , shows a spider 's thoughts as Garfield the cat is about to crush it with a rolled-up newspaper . `` If you squish me , I shall become famous ! '' reads the thought bubble in the strip 's first panel . `` They will hold an annual day of remembrance in my honor , you fat slob , '' the spider continues , referring to the pudgy orange cat . The last panel shows the spider dangling above a teacher 's desk while he addresses a group of other spiders : `` Does anyone here know why we celebrate 'National Stupid Day ? ' '' Davis called the strip 's appearance on Veterans Day `` the worst timing ever . '' `` The strip that runs in today 's paper seems to be making a statement about Veterans Day . It absolutely , positively has nothing to do with this important day of remembrance , '' he said in a letter Thursday , addressed to friends , fans and veterans . The cartoonist said the strip was created almost a year ago . `` I had no idea when writing it that it would appear today -- of all days , '' he said . `` I do not use a calendar that lists holidays and other notable days , so when this strip was put in the queue , I had no idea it would run on Veterans Day . '' Davis said his brother served in Vietnam , and his son has performed tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan . `` You 'd have to go a long way to find someone who was more proud and grateful for what our veterans have done for all of us , '' he said . Garfield debuted in 41 U.S. newspapers in 1978 . In 2002 , the Guinness Book of World Records declared it the most widely syndicated comic strip in the world . Today , the cynical cat is a ubiquitous pop culture presence , with books and movies to his name . In his letter , Davis implied he did not intend to make the same mistake again : `` You can bet I 'll have a calendar that lists EVERYTHING by my side in the future . '' CNN 's Devon Sayers contributed to this report .
Strip shows a spider asking why we celebrate `` National Stupid Day '' Davis calls it `` the worst timing ever '' He says the strip was created almost a year ago . Garfield is one of the most widely syndicated comics in the world .