1999 Gay Pride Celebration at Gracie Mansion
featuring the STONEWALL Veterans' Association
Mayor Rudy W. Giuliani with several S.V.A. officers such as Cristina Hayworth (left) and Williamson Henderson (right) at Gracie Mansion, N.Y. [Photo by Ray J. McCaffrey]
Thursday, June 24, 1999 -- Pictured are STONEWALL Veterans' Association ("S.V.A.") Ambassadress Cristina Hayworth (up from Puerto Rico) with a Cuban cigar gift for Mayor RWG (which he had to "by law" refuse) and bussing a very amused and fun-filled New York City Mayor Rudy W. Giuliani with S.V.A. President Williamson Henderson laughing big time and, in the rear, S.V.A. Vice-President Jeremiah Newton is beaming. Literally to the far left is former and brief S.V.A. Corresponding Secretary (she was still allegedly working on her first memo) Harriet "SchMo" Garblestein. It's the first time we ever saw her smile! At this event -- well-covered by the media -- Mayor Giuliani proudly announced in a very New York manner the Federal government decision to proudly add the legendary Stonewall site into the "U.S. Registry of Historic Places". The landmark decision was done at this time to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the historic Stonewall Rebellion. The Mayor was with the S.V.A just three days later leading the annual New York City Gay Pride Parade down famous Fifth Avenue for most of the parade route. When Mayor Rudy used to march with the unpopular Log Cabin Republican boys, the Mayor unfairly -- due to association -- got many boos and hisses from the parade spectators. In sharp contrast, whenever Rudy marched with the S.V.A.'s Stonewall veterans and the unmistakable blue, classic 1969 Cadillac convertible "Stonewall Car", he received overwhelming cheers and kisses from the crowds!! And, so Mayor Rudy gladly observed and verbally commented on the very welcomed change! By the way, Rudy loves the car!
