News

Log Cabin Republicans Salute America's Veterans

November 11, 2011

(Washington, DC) - Log Cabin Republicans are proud to salute all of America's veterans and to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation's freedom.

"Log Cabin Republicans join a grateful nation in thanking all military veterans for their service to our country," said R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director, combat veteran and captain in the United States Army Reserve. "This Veterans Day is special. For the first time in our nation's history we can completely recognize the service and sacrifice of gay and lesbian veterans. For too long, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' rendered these servicemembers and their families invisible.

Thirty-five years ago, one of Log Cabin's members, an Air Force veteran named Leonard Matlovich, was discharged under the gay ban. He went on to become a pioneer in the fight for open service, though he died before he could see justice done. His headstone is inscribed, not with a name, but with the words 'When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one.' Log Cabin Republicans honor Technical Sergeant Matlovich and all veterans who sacrificed for our freedom to serve.

Today we serve openly and our nation is stronger for it. Still, it cannot be forgotten that the law does not completely cover all veterans. Gay and straight, we wear the same uniform, salute the same flag, and defend the same freedoms. It is time all servicemembers and veterans enjoyed the same respect and recognition, including the freedom to marry the person they love. Military families and veterans deserve nothing less. On this Veterans Day, Log Cabin Republicans renew our commitment to fight for those who have fought for all of us."