Chicago, IL | On Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011 at 2 PM CST – 1VU non profit organization will be holding a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate our LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Veteran’s and Service Members of the Armed Forces in Space Park, located at 815-817 W Roscoe, Chicago, IL 60657.
The Memorial Day ceremony is also the platform for making history in Chicago.1VU has plans already underway through their ?Do Tell: Chicago? project to erect a monument in honor of our LGBT Service Members in Space Park by Memorial Day 2012. The laying of the wreath will be symbolic both in acknowledging respect to our LGBT Veteran’s as well as marking the location of the proposed sculpture. The event, organized and founded by 1VU President/Executive Director Stephen Crawford, in cooperation with The Lake View Citizens? Council and Triangle Neighbor’s Association, will be conducted by the American Veterans for Equal Rights Chicago Chapter.
Strong supportive Political figures for gay veterans and the project such as Alderman Tom Tunney and Congressman Mark Quigley will be in attendance. Speakers at the event will include members of the American Veteran’s for Equal Rights Chicago Chapter: Lee Reinhart ? Keynote Speaker, Jim Darby – President, Ed Wosylus – VP/Secretary, and Travis ? Treasurer, along with Stephen Crawford ? President/Executive Director of 1VU who is responsible for the LGBT monument project ?Do Tell: Chicago?. Other special guests are expected to be added to the program prior to the event. Members of the Chicago Gay Mens Chorus will perform our National Anthem.
This is a free event at Space Park. Everyone of all ages is welcome and encouraged to attend the event to show support and pay our respect to the LGBT Veteran’s and current service members of the Armed Forces. An informal BBQ will be held at Bucks Saloon, 3439 N Halsted st., Chicago, as a reception immediately after the ceremony. They are donating food for everyone to partake in and enjoy an afternoon of socializing with Veterans and friends in the community. Everyone 21 and over is welcome to attend this free event.
It is more important now than ever before for everyone, LGBT and straight allies alike, to show our public support and solidarity for this significant cause.
About 1VU:
1VU is a nonprofit public charitable organization based in Chicago. Through our partners EEG 501c3 foundation, all contributions, donations, gifts, and sponsorships are tax deductible. At 1VU we see a united LGBT community with a renewed strength and pride, revitalizing our social and environmental obligations to ourselves and to others.
About Space Park:
Space Park, located at 815-817 W Roscoe, Chicago, IL opened in Spring 2010 to provide an urban sanctuary to Lake View residents. The park is owned by NeighborSpace and managed by Triangle Neighbors? Association, a branch of Lake View Citizens? Council (LVCC). Triangle Neighbors raised $1.5M to acquire the two lots and build the community garden park.
About Lake View Citizens? Council:
The LAKE VIEW CITIZENS’ COUNCIL (LVCC) is a non-profit civic organization serving the Lakeview community on the north side of Chicago, Illinois. Its boundaries (roughly Lake Michigan on the east, the north branch of the Chicago River on the west, Diversey Parkway on the south, going south on Lakewood Avenue until it meets the Chicago River, and Irving Park Road on the north) are approximately those of the original township of Lake View founded in the early 1800’s and annexed by the City of Chicago in 1903. LVCC has been bringing together residents, businesses and community institutions since 1952. www.lakeviewcitizens.org.