Knights Out Makes History
Saturday night, SLDN Development Director David Hall and I had the privilege of visiting West Point to attend the inaugural Knights Out Dinner on the historic campus honoring Captain Jonathan Hopkins, a 2001 graduate - and so many past, present, and future. It was an honor to celebrate the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) with Knights Out co-founder and West Point Board Member Sue Fulton and many other friends who were a force in helping us get repeal. LGBT cadets, graduates, friends and family gathered at the West Point Club to celebrate and salute distinguished LGBT alumni as well as the next generation of our leaders.
Such a gathering would not have been possible a few months ago - at least not without dire consequences. Indeed, this is why we fought, to be here in the open and to make sure there would be no consequences when we say who we are and toast our soul mates. Frankly, it was down right exhilarating to be in from the wilderness and in the club sitting down to a drink and a meal.
Imagine. We were right there Saturday night at the West Point Club celebrating the freedom to serve. And everyone else was going about his or her business. No big deal.
While there is much more to get done, this weekend tells me we do have much to celebrate. I am grateful to all those who made Saturday night's historic event possible.
04-02-12 By Aubrey Sarvis, Army Veteran & SLDN Executive Director |
