First LGBT Veterans Wall Dedicated

[The Philosopher]

from LGBT Weekly

While there have been a few statues and plaques dedicated to the honor of GLBT American veterans, San Diego became the first city in the nation to establish a wall which will hold the names of GLBT veterans of San Diego County who have served their nation in the armed forces.

The official dedication ceremony was held last week at The LGBT Community Center, where the new veterans wall is displayed. The evening began with a stirring rendition of the national anthem sung by award-winning singer Ms. Rita of the Caliph. Dr. Delores Jacobs welcomed the crowd and spoke of what an honor it was that The Center would be home to this distinguished wall. City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez, who came up with the idea for an LGBT veterans wall and chaired the committee, called upon the crowd to never forget these veterans names and some of their sacrifices for us and our country. As for the recent gay rights victories and the repeal of DADT, Commissioner Ramirez stated. “For all the victories and achievements our fight for equality have attained; for all the heights we have achieved we have done so on borrowed wings of so many who have gone before us.”

The official name of the wall is the “Ben F. Dillingham III and Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor of San Diego County.” City Councilmembers Todd Gloria and Sheri Lightner spoke of Dillingham’s lifelong dedication to social justice and his outstanding service as a captain in the Marine Corps and his many positions serving city and county government, as well as his outstanding leadership on behalf of the GLBT community, these last decades.

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[William769]

1. K&R. & kudos to San Diego.