GLBT veterans....thank you very much for your service to our country.

[terrya]

I do want to thank ALL veterans today. But in the debate over repealing DADT, with all of the bullshit about "unit cohesion" and "combat effectiveness" we're hearing to keep this odious law/policy in place...I don't think GLBT veterans aren't appreciated as much as they should be for their service, their sacrifice to our country as they should be. So, on Veterans Day, this gay civilian can't possibly thank you enough.

And thanks also to the good people here I've had conversations with over the years, off and on.

terrya

[donco6]

1. It's got to be hard to serve a country that doesn't have your back.

But a big salute to GLBT and all veterans today. Thank you.

[polmaven]

2. Recommend and ditto!

Thank you, each and every one of you. I agree that GLBT vets are not given the appreciation they deserve, mainly because they are "undercover". They not only put themselves in harms way, but must lie to do it.

I am hoping that our GLBT brothers and sisters will soon be able to serve openly and proudly.

[unhappycamper]

3. I'll echo that sentiment with a k&r.

:hi:

[WillParkinson]

4. Joining the chorus!

Thank you to everyone, gay and straight, for helping to keep me safe.

[racaulk]

5. Hear here!

K&R!

:patriot:

[joeybee12]

6. KNR!

[Rhythm]

7. Couldn't have said it better... k/r

:patriot:

[foxfeet]

8. K&R

[HillWilliam]

9. Thanks, TerryA

It means a lot :hug:

Joe.My.God has a thread up for LGBT vets to share some memories. I posted. Anybodyselse?

K&R

[queerart]

10. K&R

[mitchtv]

11. thanks to the LGBT vets who were kicked out

when their retirement/pension were within grasp. I remember it happening all the time , years back.

[ThomCat]

12. I got to participate in a small rally in Times Square today

outside the recruitment center there, thanking LGBT vets, and calling for the repeal of DADT. I got to hold the sign right next to the speakers so I'll be in all the photos and videos.

We were Photographed for the Daily News and recorded for report on NY1.

There was also a reporter there for a newspaper in Spain, taking notes, and I might be quotes by name.

Dr. Mick Maurer was a speaker, a professor at a few colleges here in NYC. In the military his original job was to screen women in military back when they were segregated, and he talked a bit about the integration of women into the military, and witch-hunts for lesbians.

Justin Elzie was there, the first Marine discharged under DADT. He was also later reinstated and served 4 more years as an openly gay Marine, and now organizes to repeal DADT. He was one of the speakers. Awesome guy!

Someone was there from Knight Out, the LGBT grads of West Point. I got a picture with her, but don't remember her name. :(

One of the speakers was a captain I've seen a couple of times speaking out on tv through online clips. His name is Reichen Lehmkuhl, a real hottie with good presence. He spoke well, and it's no wonder he gets invited to speak on TV.

Two of the organizers were members of a group called Proud Ally, a group of heterosexual people who allies of the LGBTQI community, and organize to advance LGBTQI equality. The group is on FaceBook.

Oh, and Cathy Marino Thomas from Marriage Equality New York was there.

There were a few other apparent notables there, but didn't have any clue who they were. :(

I don't know if our small rally got all that much attention or had that much impact, but if a lot of small rallies add up to something then it all helps. :)

[RetiredTrotskyite]

13. Yes Indeed.

Thanks to all of you for your service.