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Log Cabin Republicans Commemorate Personal Sacrifice on Memorial Day

May 26, 2012

(Washington, DC) - Log Cabin Republicans joins Americans nationwide in honoring our countrymen who have fallen in battle and expressing gratitude to the men and women who have served and remain in the armed forces. Log Cabin Republicans is proud to count many combat veterans and current servicemembers among its members, including Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper.

"On Memorial Day we commemorate our brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. They did not live long enough to experience the privileges that we enjoy. Our success stands on the shoulders of their personal commitment to our nation. Let us unite and sing in praise of these heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country," said R. Clarke Cooper, Executive Director of the Log Cabin Republicans. "It is fitting that as Americans take time to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform that there are servicemembers home and abroad either making personal re-commitments or formally re-enlisting on Memorial Day. The successful Department of Defense implementation of open service in the United States Armed Forces encourages the opportunity for such re-commitment in a post 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' era. This Memorial Day, all servicemembers are now able to serve both honorably and honestly, regardless of sexual orientation. This Memorial Day, we also honorably and honestly fulfill our national obligation to remember all fallen warriors."

Log Cabin Republicans pursued a three-front strategy against 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' lobbying for repeal in Congress, consulting with the Department of Defense, and filing suit in federal district court. The case went to trial in July of 2010, and Judge Virginia Phillips ruled on September 9, 2010 that the policy violated the First and Fifth Amendments of the Constitution.