Gay Flag Not Welcome in Media [PA] Memorial Day Parade (partial barf)

Patch.com ^ | May 29, 2012 | Roger Ricker

[kevcol]

I had been asked to walk in the Media Memorial Day Parade, due to knowing the veterans for many years and working with them at Veterans Nights at The Media Theatre.

Ed Buffman had asked me to assist with carrying the PA Veterans Museum Banner, as has been done regularly several times before.

I had with me a Gay Pride Flag, one that was to memorialize all of this country's gays and lesbians who had died in the line of duty. I wanted to drape it over my shoulders as a quiet remembrance.

I was told point blank by Ed Buffman and the chair of the Veterans Museum, "No, you cannot have that in our parade. It's too political."

I am confused. Are not all wars political? Is being black political? Is being in a wheelchair because you have lost your legs in the war political?

Three other veterans agreed with Buffman, that it was too 'political.' (It was only after I left the PA Veterans Museum that I realized the entire parade was a political event!)

I saw Ed a second time on the street. In all honesty, I gave him a friendly "Boo" and thumbs down, as we have known each other for years.

A lesbian couple that he asked to play the bagpipes in the parade were standing with him. I said to him, "This flag is for the gays and lesbians who have lost their lives so you can live here today."

[FortWorthPatriot]

"...is it your own design?"

Sadly, yes. It was the first thing that popped into my mind when Kozak asked whether the "gay" flag should be pink and brown instead of a rainbow. So I jumped on Visio real quick, made it up, converted it to a JPEG and voilà!

[upchuck]

Y’all down there in Aiken are not only homophobes Y’all are bullies.

Thank you!

[rottndog]

I find it bizarre that some people want to be known first for their sexual orientation before any other attribute of their character or service to others.

The 'in your face' mentality of many in the homosexual world is actually a sexual fetish in and of itself. They get off cramming their lifestyle down other peoples' throats, so to speak.

[Kozak]

And you nailed what I had in mind. Good job.

[dmz]

They served under a false premise and lied to serve in our armed services.

<><><><

Many stories of underaged kids who did the same (served under false premise and lied to serve) in WW2.

Should they also be stripped of all of their honors and recognition?