On May 31, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate LGBT veterans and servicemembers at 11 a.m. at Space Park, 815-17 W. Roscoe.
The ceremony is also the platform for making history in Chicago as an announcement will be made for a project slated to begin in June to erect a monument in honor of past and present LGBT servicemembers in Space Park. The laying of the wreath will be symbolic both in acknowledging respect to LGBT veterans as well as in marking the site of the proposed art project. The American Veterans for Equal Rights ( AVER ) -Chicago chapter will conduct the ceremony; LGBT-rights activist Stephen Crawford, in cooperation with the Lake View Citizens' Council and Triangle Neighbors Association, are organizing the event.
Among the slated speakers are Equality Illinois Public Policy Director Rick Garcia; and members of AVER, including Jim Darby, travis, Bill Beaman and Ed Wosylus.
In addition, AVER will hold a Memorial Day BBQ Saturday, May 29, in Hyde Park at approximately 3 p.m. In addition, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at Allen Schindler's grave Sunday, May 30, in Steger, Ill., at 1 p.m. ( This year marks the 17th anniversary of Schindler's murder. )
For more information, see www.averchicago.org or call 773-752-0058.