A monument honoring LGBT veterans from Illinois has been approved by Robert E. Walters, the Department of Veterans Affairs Acting Undersecretary of Memorial Affairs.
The endeavor was spearheaded by Stan Jenczyk, chairperson of the monument committee and junior board member of the Chicago Chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER). Jenczyk received word of the approval Nov. 7.
“I started by requesting that our membership honor LGBT veterans with a monument in August 2011,” said Jenczyk. “It was a very long and hard process to get approvals from the federal government for this monument. Finally, after three years we’ve received approval by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the monument, which will be erected in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Ill. We are hoping that the monument will be installed by this coming Memorial Day.”
The monument will consist of a slab of black granite with a pink granite triangle in the center and two pink granite ends. The pink granite ends will have six bronze service seals representing the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.
These words that will be etched on the monument below the pink triangle: “Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people have served honorably and admirably in America’s armed forces. In their memory and appreciation of their selfless service and sacrifice this monument was dedicated by Chicago Chapter American Veterans for Equal Rights ‘AVER’. (… with liberty and justice for all.)”
The monument is being funded solely from individual or group contributions and will cost $20,000. Donations will be accepted via check payable to AVER Monument Fund, P.O. Box 29317, Chicago, IL 60629. AVER is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
AVER is holding its 23rd annual Veterans Day dinner Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Ann Sather on Belmont. The guest speaker will be Maj. Stephen Snyder-Hill, an Iraq War veteran and LGBT activist. The monument’s official unveiling will take place at the dinner. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at the door.