A delegation from the California
National Guard for the first time took part in the Los Angeles Gay
Pride Parade on Sunday.
Major General David S. Baldwin and
Assembly Speaker John A. Perez, a Democrat and the first openly gay
person elected as House speaker, led the contingent in a National
Guard Humvee. A second military vehicle and a banner that read “The
California National Guard -Yes! We Really do Want You!” were part
of the contingent.
The California National Guard also had
its first-ever recruiting booth at the Pride Festival following the
parade.
“The overwhelmingly positive response
to the California National Guard from Pride participants today was
matched only by the respect and enthusiasm the Guard showed toward
our community,” said Perez in a statement. “Today makes it
absolutely clear the Guard is committed to including and reflecting
all the people they serve.”
Baldwin, the Guard's adjutant general,
added: “We are a performance-based force, and one's sexual
orientation shouldn't affect their ability to serve and excel. Duty
to one's state and nation – not sexual orientation – is the
defining trait of our soldiers and airmen.”
The California National Guard will also
have a recruiting presence at Pride events throughout the state,
including Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose.