Chicago Comes Out to Honor Gay Vets
I left my house in Georgetown this morning at 5am to catch an early morning flight to Chicago, for Mayor Daley's salute to LGBT veterans in Chicago. We've just wrapped up, and I'm now heading to the airport now to depart this afternoon for Houston.
Despite being a quick trip, the visit to the Windy City was an immensely rewarding one.
Chicago is the ONLY city in the country with an official celebration honoring the service of LGBT vetearns. And this morning, between 75 and 100 people showed up to honor their service -- a moving, public tribute to those who have served in silence, both before and during "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
It was a bright, warm day in Chicago (really!) and we gathered at Daley Plaza at noon to begin what would turn out to be a beautiful, moving ceremony. The plaza, a large one with fountains, also contains an eternal flame, where this afternoon there was a somber wreath laying ceremony in remembrance of LGBT veterans.
I was honored to deliver the keynote address, followed by a performance from the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus. We also recognized Ed Zasadil, an openly gay World War II vet. And Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), one of the co-sponsors of the House bill to repeal the gay ban, sent a wonderful letter of support, saying in part that, regarding the gay ban, "It's not only a human rights issue, but a matter of national security. We must include very dedicated, patriotic American, regardless of sexual orientation." Her statement went on to say that "It's time to overturn 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' once and for all."
The turn-out was moving evidence that, indeed, America DOES remember, and honor, her LGBT veterans. Among those who came out were a number of gay veterans from the War in Iraq. Of course, we can't publish their names here . . . another reminder of the silence the military's ban inflicts upon those who fight for freedom at home and abroad.
I want to thank everyone who showed up this afternoon, and especially recognize Bill Greaves, Mayor Daley's LGBT liaison, who coordinated the ceremony.
I was honored to be included, and to pay tribute to our LGBT veterans in Chicago and all across the country. Without their selfless dedication to freedom, our liberty would be less sure.
-C. Dixon Osburn
Despite being a quick trip, the visit to the Windy City was an immensely rewarding one.
Chicago is the ONLY city in the country with an official celebration honoring the service of LGBT vetearns. And this morning, between 75 and 100 people showed up to honor their service -- a moving, public tribute to those who have served in silence, both before and during "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
It was a bright, warm day in Chicago (really!) and we gathered at Daley Plaza at noon to begin what would turn out to be a beautiful, moving ceremony. The plaza, a large one with fountains, also contains an eternal flame, where this afternoon there was a somber wreath laying ceremony in remembrance of LGBT veterans.
I was honored to deliver the keynote address, followed by a performance from the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus. We also recognized Ed Zasadil, an openly gay World War II vet. And Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), one of the co-sponsors of the House bill to repeal the gay ban, sent a wonderful letter of support, saying in part that, regarding the gay ban, "It's not only a human rights issue, but a matter of national security. We must include very dedicated, patriotic American, regardless of sexual orientation." Her statement went on to say that "It's time to overturn 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' once and for all."
The turn-out was moving evidence that, indeed, America DOES remember, and honor, her LGBT veterans. Among those who came out were a number of gay veterans from the War in Iraq. Of course, we can't publish their names here . . . another reminder of the silence the military's ban inflicts upon those who fight for freedom at home and abroad.
I want to thank everyone who showed up this afternoon, and especially recognize Bill Greaves, Mayor Daley's LGBT liaison, who coordinated the ceremony.
I was honored to be included, and to pay tribute to our LGBT veterans in Chicago and all across the country. Without their selfless dedication to freedom, our liberty would be less sure.
-C. Dixon Osburn
posted by SLDN at
5:49 PM
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