The veterans also paid their respects at the grave of Allen Schindler May 27. Schindler, a Chicago-area native, was murdered in 1992 by his own shipmates because he was gay. Chicago’s gay veterans conduct a ceremony there twice a year.
The Chicago chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights (gay veterans) and the Lakeside Freedom Band were joined by several members of The Gay, Lesbian and Supporting Sailors (GLASS) of Great Lakes Naval Base as they marched in Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade May 26.