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Loading ...Chicago holds first civic salute to LGBT veterans
08.06.2009 2:00pm EDT
(Chicago) Gay war veterans were honored yesterday in Chicago’s Daley Plaza at the first civic salute to LGBT veterans.
Many of those in attendance at the event spoke out against Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Many revealed how they have personally been affected by the bill.“If there was no ban and I were allowed to openly serve, I wouldn’t have had any of those extra stressors, I wouldn’t have had any of those extra worries, and I would have re-enlisted,” said former US Navy officer Steven Lorandos.
Several local politicians came out to also support the event and spoke out against DADT as well.
“I just came back from Iraq and I wasn’t able to see black, white, female, male gay or lesbian soldiers. They were all Americans fighting for us. And it is extraordinary that anyone would not want to let them serve and help our country,” said Rep. Mike Quigley, (D) Chicago.
Chicago’s 7 News reported that “the United States military has more than 65,000 gay members in active service.” House Resolution 1283 has been created by DADT opponents to ask Obama to repeal the bill.
Watch the full 7 News report here.
This salute to veterans is long overdue. It is a fact that LGBT people served with distinction in the military forces of Canada, United States and Great Britain, when being discovered could lead to a dishonourable discharge and worse. It is interesting that during the Vietnam war (and I do not defend U.S. involvement in that war), Gay men served with distinction and honour, while many heterosexual men pretended to be Gay to avoid service.
Tiem for a national military coming out day. If even 25000 came out and demanded to be released under the DADT law, things would change in a hurry.
Would you fight for a country that lets the stuck in the muds of religious hatred treat you like less then human (think of what less then human set up Germany’s Jews for, and America’s slaves)