A special tribute was held in S.E. Washington to honor those who served---by a group who can’t openly serve themselves.
The Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance held its 10th annual Veterans Day service at Congressional Cemetery Sunday.
Members paused for the appreciation of all those who served and gave their lives protecting the freedom of the United States.
The service took place at the gravesite of Sgt. Leonard Matlovich. The decorated Vietnam veteran became nationally known in the 1970’s. He was the first openly gay service member to fight the ban on gays in the military.
Matlovich’s tombstone reads: “They gave me a medal for killing two men - and a discharge for loving one.”
Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11th.
A wreath will be placed Thursday at the Tomb of the Unknowns as part of The Veterans Day National Ceremony. It will be followed by a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and dignitaries.
