Veterans Day Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony for LGBT Veterans

Each year as Americans we pause to remember the men and women who have given their lives in defense of our freedom. Once again this year on Veteran’s Day, The DC LGBT community will come together to hold a wreath laying ceremony and memorial service at the Congressional Cemetery.

The ceremony is held at the grave of Technical Sergeant Leonard Matlovich in the LGBT section of the cemetery. Sgt. Matlovich was a Vietnam veteran who rose to fame in 1975 by becoming the first gay service member to publicly reveal his sexuality, challenging the military’s exclusion on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans. He appeared on the cover of Time Magazine and the front page of The New York Times, speaking out for the rights of LGBT service members until his death in 1988. Adjacent to the grave for Leonard Matlovich is the memorial marker for our friend, veteran, and local activist Frank Kameny.

Held in honor of the LGBT men and women who have served the U.S. as soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and coast guardsmen. This years’ service will be held on November 11th, 2015 at 12:00 PM at the Congressional Cemetery. Please join us.

The event is free and open to the public, with reception to follow at The Ugly Mug, 723 8th St SE, DC, sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign.