LGBT veterans honored by City of Chicago

LGBT veterans were honored by the City of Chicago and American Veterans for Equal Rights at Daley Plaza Sept 3. The ceremony, “With Liberty and Justice for All,” marked the city’s eighth annual tribute to LGBT veterans.

More than 50 people attended the hour-long ceremony, which included speeches from veterans, a wreath-laying ceremony, a mayoral proclamation and an address by U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley. Lucy Smith of the Lucy Smith Jazz Quartet performed the national anthem and former service members were honored on a stage in front of the Daley Center.

Quigley, who has voted to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), thanked veterans for their service and offered his regrets that LGBT veterans have faced discrimination. “We’re asking you to be all you can be except for who you really are,” he told former service members. He also asked veterans to remain patient. “Have faith folks. This country eventually gets to the right spot.”

Veterans who had been dismissed under DADT expressed their frustration and impatience. Lee Reinhart, one such individual, pleaded with attendees to pressure government officials to repeal the policy. “I’m tired of broken promises,” he said. “I’m tired of delays. I want to be able to put my uniform on and make my mother proud.”