Veterans' Day 2012

A collage put together by my sister-in-law Barbara Tipton (John's wife) of me and my brothers Isaac and John and our parents - who raised us right

Today is a very special day.  This is a day when we salute all those veterans who gave to their country their time, limbs and life to protect the many freedoms we have today.  

Me and my brothers Isaac and John - civilians

Not to be too political but this is one of the many reasons I could not vote for the Romney/Ryan ticket.  A presidential candidate who didn't even consider our veterans or armed force service members worthy of a mention in his acceptance speech is not a candidate worthy to be president.  A candidate who has five healthy sons, none of whom saw the need or moral character to volunteer their service to their country isn't fit to be president.  A candidate and vice presidential candidate who has vowed to cut services to our veterans and who deems them as part of the "47%" who says:

...who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it -- that that's an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what. ... These are people who pay no income tax. ... [M]y job is not to worry about those people. I'll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives."

A candidate for president who demonstrated in support of the Vietnam war for his peers yet spent his draft eligibility years bicycling around France, making love letters in the sand to his future wife Anne.  

I could go on and on such as no member of Romney's family ever served in the military; father, grandfather or great-grandfather yet they have reaped so many rewards from the land of opportunity called the United States of America.

My heart goes out to all those young men and women who have lost limbs and are permanently disabled for the rest of their lives by the war of choice in Iraq.  

And finally, it doesn't help those who have lost their loved ones but I salute and have the utmost respect for those families who have lost their loved ones during their tour of duty in the service.

My brother John Lee Tipton - 1962

My family was fortunate.  I joined the Army in 1960 and my younger brothers quickly followed their big brother into the Army.  We thought it was the right thing to do, to give back to our country for the privilege of living her and enjoying its freedoms.  

My brother Isaac Walter Tipton, Jr. - 1962

Many members of my family have also done so, just like members of millions of other American families.  At this one time of year we recognize and appreciate them.  They deserve our recognition year round.

Me (Big Brother) Ronald Walter Tipton - 1960

Do you part, if you see a man or women in uniform or discover an older man or woman who is a veteran, thank them for their service.  I always do as does my partner Bill (who is also a nine year veteran of both the Army and Air Force).  It will make you feel better and it will always bring a smile to that veteran's face.  There is no greater good that we can do.

Me (center) and brothers Isaac (left) and John (right) - 1951 - during more innocent years