“To the extent veterans read it as an accusation ... an apology is owed,”
That’s not an apology.
I agree with you 100%. We taught our children when they were young how to apologize (and what is NOT an apology) Anytime you put *any* disclaimer in your apology such as "IF I offended you" or "I am sorry YOU are offended" etc. - that negates the apology.
You must state what you did "I apologize for issuing this offensive and unwarranted statement about our brave soldiers." Then you state any further words of a positive nature.... "We must all remember we owe our freedoms to these veterans" and THEN you ask "Will you please accept my apology?"... THAT is how you apologize!