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LGBT Vets Receive Civil Salute by GO Mag News Staff August 7, 2009 |
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On Wednesday, the first ceremony to honor LGBT veterans took place at Daley Plaza in Chicago. According to ABC 7 News, many of the veterans in attendance spoke out against Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the policy which has led to the discharge of around 13,000 gay service members since 1993. Several attendees told personal stories of how DADT has affected their military lives. Former US Navy officer Steven Lorandos said, "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."
Rep. Mike Quigley of Chicago was amongst politicians in attendance Wednesday. Quigley, a sponsor of House Resolution 1283, asking President Obama to repeal DADT, spoke out against the current military policy. "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," Quigley said.
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