The United States Navy, Region
Southwest has granted permission for active duty troops under its
command to march in uniform at Saturday's San Diego Gay Pride Parade.
“San Diego has a strong military
presence and a large LGBT community, and it is important to our LGBT
servicemembers that we honor their full identity and service to our
country. We are grateful to the Navy Region Southwest command for
extending their support to our event and to these courageous
servicemembers,” San Diego LGBT Pride General Manager, Stephen
Whitburn, said in a statement.
In 2011, San Diego Pride made history
as the first parade to host an active duty military contingent while
“Don't Ask, Don't Tell” was still in effect.
“This year, San Diego Pride will
continue our proud tradition of welcoming members of the armed forces
– active duty and veterans – as well as their loved ones and
family to lead the annual pride parade as part of the Military
Contingent. We are proud to honor those who have served our country
and provide this space to recognize them during San Diego’s largest
civic event,” parade
organizers wrote.
More than 300 servicemembers are
expected to take part in this year's parade.