Troops march in San Diego's gay pride parade | ajc.com

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SAN DIEGO — About 200 active-duty troops and veterans wearing T-shirts advertising their branch of service marched Saturday in San Diego's gay pride parade with American flags and rainbow banners, marking what is believed to be the first time a military contingent has participated in such an event in the U.S.

Sean Sala poses in front of a statue of a Navy sailor kissing a nurse Thursday, July 14, 2011, in San Diego. Sala, a former sailor, is organizing a military contingent of hundreds of former and active-duty troops to lead San Diego’s Gay Pride March set for July 15th, in a show of unity to honor those who serve the country and have died for it. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

A Marine marches past a small group while yelling anti-homosexual comments during the Gay Pride Parade, Saturday, July 16, 2011, in San Diego. More than 200 active duty troops and former service members marched Saturday in San Diego’s gay pride parade with American flags and rainbow banners, marking what is believed to be the first time an identifiable group involving active duty troops participated in such an event in the U.S. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Two women, both active duty sailors in the Navy who gave their names as Nikki, left, and Lisa, kiss as they march in the Gay Pride Parade in San Diego Saturday, July 16, 2011. More than 200 active duty troops and war veterans waving small American flags alongside rainbow banners marched in San Diego's gay pride parade in what is believed to be the first time an identifiable group of active duty troops has participated in such an event in the U.S. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

A Marine who did not give his name laughs as he marches past a small group yelling anti-homosexual comments during the Gay Pride Parade Saturday, July 16, 2011, in San Diego. More than 200 active duty troops and war veterans waving small American flags alongside rainbow banners marched in San Diego's gay pride parade in what is believed to be the first time an identifiable group of active duty troops has participated in such an event in the U.S. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Many of the active-duty troops said they were moved to come out because it is time to end the military's ban on openly gay troops. The march comes a day after a federal appeals court reinstated "don't ask, don't tell" but with a caveat that prevents the government from investigating or penalizing anyone who is openly gay.
National Guard member Nichole Herrera, 31, said she didn't think twice about marching, even though the policy is back on the books. She said she was "choked up" several times as she walked down a main thoroughfare in San Diego, a major Navy port.


Troops march in San Diego's gay pride parade | ajc.com

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