Service members can march in uniform in Calif. gay pride parade for first time in U.S. history

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http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/13878848-418/service-members-can-march-in-uniform-in-calif-gay-pride-parade.html

ASSOCIATED PRESS July 19, 2012 5:42PM

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (AP) — The Defense Department on Thursday announced it is allowing service members to march in uniform in a gay pride parade for the first time in U.S. history.

In a memorandum sent military-wide, the department said it was making an exception to its policy that generally bars troops from marching in uniform in parades unless individuals get approval from their commanders.

The Defense Department said it was making the exception for San Diego’s Gay Pride Parade that will take place Saturday because organizers had encouraged military personnel to march in their uniform and the event was getting national attention.

The parade last year had the largest contingency of active-duty troops participate before the military lifted its ban on openly gay service members. Last year, participants wore T-shirts with their branch name.

[gopiscrap]

1. Excellent