The Start of Summer?

People often forget that Memorial Day is actually the day to celebrate and remember those who gave their lives in the service of their country, it is not simply the unofficial start of summer. With the current political climate in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is become de rigeur to discuss the role of a volunteer military to combat terrorism. Nevertheless, there are a couple of names that many of us do not know as household words, particularly in the gay community, names that should evoke the true spirit of Memorial Day.

In 1778, Lieutenant Gotthold Frederick Enslin was dishonorably discharged for sodomy. Lt. Enslin had served under General Washington for most of his campaign and thus became the first gay soldier at the time of our nascent republic.

In March of 1956, after gaining the prestige of the United States of America as a noted humanitarian, Thomas Dooley, a doctor with the U.S Navy resigned under charges that he was a homosexual. The fact that he was instrumental to both the CIA and the Department of Defense in establishing American-Vietnamese relations is now lost to history.

According to the Department of Defense Directive 1332.14 (Enlisted Administrative Separations), January, 1981):

"Homosexuality is incompatible with military service. The presence in the military environment of persons who engage in homosexual conduct or who, by their statements, demonstrate a propensity to engage in homosexual conduct, seriously impairs the accomplishment of the military mission."

In 1993 President Clinton reached a compromise on the issue of gays in the military. “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” became the official policy of the DoD. You may serve proudly, but only if you do not declare to be who you are. Of the NATO powers in Europe/North America, the USA is still the only one where you cannot serve openly as gay.

Memorial Day is not the start of summer, that would be the autumnal equinox on June 21st. Let us remember on this day, the role that men and women have played in the US and Military forces of the world, straight and gay, of all ethnic minorities and majorities. Admittedly, a man in uniform is still the quintessential icon of masculinity (I’ll put on my uniform for you Matt). If putting on military gear is how you wish to remember, more power to you. Honor, Remember, Respect.

"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, 5 May 1868

Happy Memorial Day to all my brothers and sisters!

DieselXX