To the Editor:

Recently, in Sound Off, a reader wondered how veterans could stand for the President’s tirade against the memory of Senator John McCain. John McCain’s grandfather was instrumental in saving lives of many Marines on Guadalcanal with Naval air support. My dad was there with the 1^st Raider Battalion. When I went overseas with the U.S. Army, the CINCPAC was John McCain’s father. John McCain’s service is well known. I have deep respect for the service of the McCain family.

As to veterans, we are a diverse group. We are tall and short, young and old, male and female, black, brown, white and Native American. In short, we are representative of our country although not nearly as representative as we have been in our nation’s history. We were there to serve our country.

The physical thing we ever had in common was our uniform, haircut and training. However, the thing that united us was our oath to defend the Constitution of the Unites States of America. To this end, we dedicated our lives. Veterans disagree on many issues, but at the bottom, we have a bond as having made that commitment and endured some level of sacrifice that others may not have. There is a brotherhood. Though I may disagree with an expressed opinion, I respect every other veteran and their service, and I trust all others feel likewise.

Joe Phipps

Washington