Chicago's ninth annual salute to LGBT veterans went off without a hitch in Daley Plaza July 26, but a decidedly different aura hung over this year's ceremony.
For the first time, these veterans could stand knowing that in less than two months' time, they and their LGBT colleagues currently serving in the military would be able to represent and defend their country proudly and openly.
So as the many veterans invited to speak shared their remarks, the ceremony evolved into almost a celebration of sorts over the recent repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ( DADT ) ban on LGBTs in the armed forces.
"We all know that the U.S. government and also the U.S. military would never lift the ban if all of you didn't get out there and pound on those doors," said Jim Darby, U.S. Navy veteran and member of American Veterans for Equal Rights ( AVER ) , "and we want to personally thank every one of you today for all the work you have done over the last not 17, but more than 17 years to help end the ban against gay and lesbian people [ in the military ] ."
The ceremony began with a presentation and posting of colors and Chicago vocalist Alexandra St. James' performance of the national anthem. After a moment of silence, Pastor Anthony Sullivan provided the invocation and Mona Noriega, commissioner of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations ( CCHR ) , gave the mayoral proclamation, which applauded AVER and many others in helping to finally repeal DADT.
One of the speakers, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sgt. Marquell Smith, was discharged under DADT in 2006. He said he hopes that one day LGBT veterans will tell stories of how they served openly alongside heterosexuals who did not view them differently because of their sexual orientation.
"What is so special about our service members is that they're all professionals, so in 56 days, we look forward to a service that recognizes gays and lesbians serving openly," Smith said.
U.S Air Force Senior Airman Veronica Hernandez was also discharged under DADT because her partner had been in a car accident and she would not have been able to visit her otherwise. She said feels no ill will toward the military or DADT.
"I am a proud LGBT member and a proud veteran member," she said. "Come Sept. 20, I will attempt to reenlist and hope to be a proud serving LGBT reservist."
The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony led by AVER members Ed Wosylus and Ed Zasadil. It ended with the playing of "Taps" by Lakeside Pride Freedom Band members Susan Jones and Melissa Terrell.
Deontae Henry, 17, a Youth Pride Center volunteer currently archiving news photos for the Chicago Gay History project, attended the event for a real live history lesson on LGBTs in the military. He said, "It was a good experience because I have never been to an event with a lot of veterans from the war or who have served. It is great that they are passing this law." Photos by Hal Baim and and Susan Mattes
