Former Air Force Major Mike Almy Celebrates Repeal, Highlights Need for Swift Certification
This past weekend I had the distinct honor of being the grand marshal for Denver’s Pride parade. The organizers wanted to highlight the repeal of “Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell” (DADT) and honor the service and sacrifice of all LGBT veterans. My participation in this grand event was a reminder of the more than 14,000 LGBT service members discharged under DADT, and the estimated 66,000 still serving in our military under the forced silence of this law. About 200,000 people attended the parade and the festival, held near the Colorado statehouse. Governor Hickenlooper and Senators Bennet and Udall participated in the parade to show their support for the Colorado LGBT community. Senator Udall has played a critical leadership role in repeal, serving on the Armed Services Committee. There are few states that can boast celebration of Pride by their Governor, both Senators, Congressmen, mayor and numerous state legislators.
A multi-service color guard, consisting of local LGBT veterans set the tone for the entire parade, followed by dozens of veterans marching behind them. Colorado has a large military population and strongly supports those still serving and those who have previously served, including its LGBT veterans. This support was clearly visible by a cheering crowd during the parade and the following rally. The veterans that participated were cheered like heroes.
I wore a shirt that read “Fired Under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’” Many people came up to me to ask if this were true and seemed shocked when I replied yes. They then shook their heads and couldn’t believe we have such an archaic, discriminatory law. They usually said they were sorry it happened and thanked me for my service.
When I spoke at the rally I told the crowd how honored and humbled I was to be their grand marshal, highlighting DADT and the huge victory in Congress last December. I next told them this was an honor I would rather not have, because it means we have a horrible law called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and that I had been fired because of it.
Fortunately the days of DADT are numbered, with certification that the military is finally ready for repeal potentially coming in the next few weeks. Just last week Secretary Gates said he sees no reason why this cannot happen before he leaves the Pentagon at the end of this month, assuming he has the concurrence of the Joint Chiefs. After this happens there will be a 60 day waiting period then DADT will finally become history and gays and lesbians can serve openly in our armed forces.
Colorado has a robust and vibrant LGBT community, including a strong population of veterans. The Rocky Mountain state has a lot to be proud of this year with the role it has played in repeal of DADT, the support from its elected officials at the highest levels and the sacrifices of its veterans. As your grand marshal I salute you and thank you!
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Click here to watch an exclusive video interview of Major Almy at Denver PrideFest on Saturday.
06-22-11 By Former Air Force Major Mike Almy |
2 Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.Tom Cummins in Boulder on June 22, 2011 at 04.44 pm
Major Almy,
It was a privilege to take part in the Pride parade with you as a gay veteran of the Vietnam-era, to meet you and shake your hand. I wish you well as you fight to return to military life once DADT is completely resolved. You honored us all with your presence, and I thank you for your service. Former SSGT USAF.
Doug Denslow in Denver on June 22, 2011 at 10.47 am
Major Almy,
It was such an honor to have you as our grand marshal and to be a member of the color guard for this year’s parade. Thank you for being a mouthpiece in Washington DC for those of us who have been discriminated against because of who we are. I appreciate the time and effort you put into sharing your story so that one day soon I can return to service. I will be forever grateful to you and to the organizations such as SLDN and Servicemember’s United who have, and continue to fight for my freedom.
Semper Fi!