LGBT veterans will be honored at “With Liberty and Justice For All,” an event slated to take place June 2 at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, 11 a.m.-12 noon.
The event—the only one of its kind in the nation—will spotlight Vietnam War veteran Robert Bell, who served from 1966-1969 and was honorably discharged. Bell, a former member and chairman of the board for Horizons Community Services (now known as Center on Halsted), is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.
The keynote speaker will be Kathi S. Westcott, deputy director for law for the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), which is dedicated to ending discrimination against, and harassment of, military personnel affected by ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ In 1999, she led SLDN’s investigation of the murder of a soldier at Fort Campbell, Ky.—and helped bring those responsible to justice.
Also speaking will be former Army Specialist Jeff Howe. Howe, an Elk Grove Village native, who was discharged by the Army for posting a profile on Connexion.org, an online LGBT site—despite receiving numerous commendations for his service.
Roy L. Dolgos, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will greet veterans and note their various contributions.
The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus will sing the national anthem, and there will also be a presentation of colors as well as a wreath-laying and a proclamation from Mayor Richard Daley.
For more information, contact Bill Greaves at (312) 744-7911.