About 200 U.S active-duty troops and veterans marched in a San Diego gay pride parade on Saturday, with American flags and banners, marking what is believed to be the first time a military contingent has participated in such an event in the U.S.
Many of the active-duty troops said they were moved to come out because it’s time to end the military ban on openly gay troops.
National Guard member Nichole Herrera said, This is one of the proudest days in my life. It's time for it (the policy) to be gone. I'm a soldier no matter what, regardless of my sexual orientation.
Under the military's existing Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, service members are barred from saying they are gay or lesbian, and that has until now discouraged some members of the military from participating in gay pride parades.
Matthew Avila (L), active duty gunners mate 2nd class U.S. Navy, receives a punch in the arm from former EN2 U.S. Navy's Ray Cordero as they prepare to march with active and non-active U.S. military personnel who are participating for the first time in San Diego's Gay Pride Parade in San Diego, July 16, 2011. The group is reported to be the first openly gay enlisted service members to march in a pride event in the United States following Congress repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.REUTERSActive duty U.S. Marine corporal Jime Rindon (C) from Camp Pendleton runs with a Marine flag as he marches with active and non-active U.S. military personnel who are participating for the first time in San Diego's Gay Pride Parade in San Diego, July 16, 2011. The group is reported to be the first openly gay enlisted service members to march in a pride event in the United States following Congress repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.REUTERSActive duty U.S. Marine corporal Jime Rindon (C) from Camp Pendleton yells out as he marches with active and non-active U.S. military personnel who are participating for the first time in San Diego's Gay Pride Parade in San Diego, July 16, 2011. The group is reported to be the first openly gay enlisted service members to march in a pride event in the United States following Congress repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.REUTERSA participant takes part in San Diego's Gay Pride Parade in San Diego, July 16, 2011.REUTERSA participant takes part in San Diego's Gay Pride Parade in San Diego, July 16, 2011.REUTERSActive duty U.S. Marine corporal Jime Rindon (L) from Camp Pendleton slaps hands as he prepares to march with active and non-active U.S. military personnel who are participating for the first time in San Diego's Gay Pride Parade in San Diego, July 16, 2011. The group is reported to be the first openly gay enlisted service members to march in a pride event in the United States following Congress repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.REUTERS
