Please spread the word, and allow EVERY servicemember (past, present, gay, straight) to take part in this historic demand for equality. This gathering allows the new upsurge in the LGBT movement to meet and learn from the experiences of our history. Energizing, Invigorating, Networking, Mentoring. There are many other events in addition. See you in D.C.!!!
Saturday (Oct 10th), 12 pm at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery
HONOR THE UNKNOWN: Join us as we honor the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
15-minute ceremony with SSgt Eric Alva, CPT Anthony Woods, LT Dan Choi, and others.
Sign-up: No sign-up, just come! This is not a protest, but a solemn and dignified ceremony.
Saturday (Oct 10th) 2 pm at Congressional Cemetery
LEONARD MATLOVICH MEMORIAL SERVICE:
More Info: WEBSITE
Saturday Morning (Oct 10th), 10 am at Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Building
TRAINING, TRAINING, TRAINING: Learn from lobbyist veterans about repealing DADT.
POC: Alex Nicholson anicholson@servicemembersunited.org
Sunday (Oct 11th), 8 am at WWII Memorial
“IN-CADENCE!” Join veterans for a 1-hour morning jog around the monuments. Fast Group, Slow group, Disabled Group
Meet at the “Star Wall” … (HERE WE MARK THE PRICE OF FREEDOM). Bring guidons/flags, wear any running clothes.
Sunday (Oct 11th), 12 pm, route TBA
OTHER INFO:
TELL YOUR STORY: Many opportunities to share your story for documentaries.
TV News networks will also be present. marchon2009@gmail.com FACEBOOK
Many networking and training opportunities. More info to follow. Click to go to the Metro bus/rail website and click to download a Metro map.
Our time in service taught us about courage and fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves. I understand the risks involved with taking a stand. Sometimes we pay a high price: I can attest to that personally. But the oath we took to protect and serve is not just relevant in the ranks. We owe it to future generations, LGBT Americans who are not yet born, to live out our values of honor, courage, and selfless service. The current laws of discrimination and deception are immoral at their core. Our silence and compliance do not make them right. Any consequences and judgment I received from my military discharge board pales in comparison to the judgment that history will exact on us for complicity and silently supporting injustice.
History judges us NOW, not when it is convenient for us. There is no rain check, no rescheduling available. The LGBT Americans of the future will look back on us and ask: “What did that generation do when discrimination was rampant?” Did we march silently in compliance with immoral laws or did we stand up and march against injustice, hypocrisy and cowardice? Did we march for equality when there was a chance? Did we stand for them? Did we wait for someone else to live out and defend our values? Did we wait for a more comfortable time? No. We have to take a stand NOW. The future generations are watching us NOW, looking to us for hope, for guidance. Do not let them down. Do not disappoint them.
Military service organizations such as Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Knights Out, and Servicemembers United have endorsed and will be participating in these events.
Servicemembers: JOIN US! We will lead the march and stand on stage during a Salute to Service. Some of us will be in uniform, understanding the risks and responsibilities associated.
* Active Duty Military Servicemembers are encouraged to email us for free legal assistance before marching with us. We salute your courage in standing for justice and equality, especially when you know the consequences. Your courage will be remembered above all.
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